Thumb Interphalangeal Joint Replacement as an Alternative toJoint Fusion

Arthrodesis is the generally accepted treatment for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb. For 7thumbs in 5 patients, an IP joint replacement was offered as a pain alleviating and motion conserving treatment option forosteoarthritis. In these cases, an offlabel use of the SR-PIP prosthesis was performed. All patients did well postoperatively withreasonable pain-free range of motion of the interphalangeal joint except one patient who required further surgeries for recurringjoint instability. Radiologically, though, an osteolysis around the stems that could lead to loosening of the prosthesis andprogressing periarticular ossifications that might cause a blockage of the joint were observed. IP joint arthroplasty represents aviable option on the short term; however, further studies should be conducted to ensure their long-term sustainability.