Clinical Studies Of Arthrodesis Of The Proximal Interphalangeal Joints By Axial Screw

Objective:To discuss the clinical results of arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints by axial screw.Methods:12 cases(11 patients)were treated by arthrodesis with axial screws(Acutrak 2,Acumed[IN],USA),approached dorsally.Bone healing time,the postoperative complications and the time for return were recorded.Functions of fingers were evaluated using TAF scales and the visual analogue scale.Results:All patients were followed up from 6 to 29 months,the outcome achieve excellent and good rate of 91%(11/12),the mean value of VAS was 6.5 points before operation,while the postoperative value was 1 point,the pain relesed.All cases achieved clinical union from 6 to 8 weeks with an average of 7.4 weeks.There were no infection,skin necrosis,delayed union,nonunion and deformed union,motion of the distal interphalangeal joints was preserved.None of the patients complained about adhesion of tendon.All the patients recovered the ability of self care in 4 weeks.The average time for return to work was 12.7 weeks.Conclusion:This research only limited to the reconstruction of trauma and post trauma patients,arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints by axial screw is also indicate for osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis,infection,Dupuytren's disease and so on.Fixation by axial screw is easy,safe and reliable,which can be executed easily and decrease duration of bony union and other complications.