Arthroplasty of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint With the TACTYS Prosthesis: Clinical and Radiographic Results With a Mean Follow-up of 5 Years

Abstract

Background:

Degenerative arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the long fingers is a common disorder affecting mainly a female middle-aged population. Conservative treatment is often effective, but in some cases, pain can persist which can lead to invalidating function. Besides denervation and arthrodesis, arthroplasty is a valuable alternative treatment. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes of the TACTYS prosthesis with a mean follow-up of more than 5 years.

Methods:

Between October 2005 and August 2019 10 joints in 9 patients, one patient had two prostheses in two separate fingers (4 males and 6 women) were treated for painful degenerative arthritis of the long fingers with a TACTYS prosthesis (Stryker Inc, Kalamazoo, Michigan). Power grip and pinch force were tested preoperatively and postoperatively, and the functional outcome survey is performed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), recall QuickDASH, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation standardized questionnaires scored of 100 and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10.

Results:

Mean follow-up was 65.70 months (range: 23-106). Mean age was 71.5 years (range: 64-83). QuickDASH score evolved from 68.43 to 41.92, range of motion from 37.5° to 45.1°, VAS from 6.65 to 1/10. Power grip and precision pinch evolved from 16.44 to 20.80 kg and 1.97 to 2.85 kg, respectively.

Conclusions:

TACTYS arthroplasty can be proposed for people who have been treated long enough with unsuccessful conservative treatment. Infection rate is still the highest complication, which can evolve in invalidating arthrodesis. It should be proposed exceptionally if the PIP joint arthritis causes invalidating functional pain.