Complications of the Use of the Harrison–Nicolle Intramedullary Peg in Digital Arthrodesis

Abstract

The Harrison–Nicolle Intramedullary Peg is used for the arthrodesis of digital joints. We report our experience of complications found using this peg in a series of 16 arthrodeses. At review after an average of 2.9 years, three cases had been revised. Only five of the remaining 13 cases showed a bony fusion and in only two of these five was the fusion in an acceptable position. In nine cases the joint became straight or extended; the preset angle of the peg did not determine the final angle of the arthrodesis. In five cases the tips of the peg appeared to be eroding through bone.