Retrospective Data Collection of Distal Interphalangeal Joint Fusion With X Fuse Superelastic Implant

PURPOSE: Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers and interphalangeal joint of the thumb is a common procedure for multiple diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fusion rates and complications in patients who have been previously implanted with an X Fuse superelastic implant (Stryker). METHODS: All patients who underwent distal interphalangeal and/or thumb interphalangeal joint fusion between June 2013 and May 2019 were included by the senior author. A chart review was used to note demographics; hand dominance; and medical and surgical history, including complications, comorbidities, clinical recovery, absence of pain, and functional use. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for angular deformity, postoperative correction of that deformity, boney consolidation, and tine cutout. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (60 fingers; 43 women and 10 men) with a mean age of 62.6 years were included. The surgical diagnoses included hereditary osteoarthritis in 45 patients, rheumatoid arthritis in 4, psoriatic arthritis in 1, swan or mallet fingers in 5, ulnar motor loss instability in 2, and trauma or a fracture in 3. For X Fuse, an implant angle of 0° was used in 51 cases, whereas 15° was used in 9 cases. Bone consolidation was observed in all but 1 patient at an average time of 9.7 weeks (range 4.1–17.6 weeks). The X Fuse superelastic implant in small bones demonstrated minimal complications and a 98% (59/60) fusion rate. CONCLUSIONS: The X Fuse superelastic implant produced a reliable fusion, with no implant prominence and a 1.7% (1/60) rate of hardware removal. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.