Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis for degenerative osteoarthritis with compression screw : results in 102 digits

Purpose: To assess objective and subjective outcomes of distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with a headless compression screw for degenerative osteoarthritis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 102 cases of distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis performed with headless compression screws on 59 patients. We included only primary cases of degenerative osteoarthritis with a minimum follow-up of 7 months. We identified appropriate bone coaptation and hardware positioning on postoperative radiographs in all digits. The mean follow-up period was 26 months (range, 7-67 mo). Results: In 89 of 102 cases, patients were fully satisfied; in 9 cases, they were satisfied. Four complications occurred: 2 cases of prominent hardware, 1 complex regional pain syndrome type 1, and 1 symptomatic bony callus on the fused joint. Secondary surgery was required in each of these 4 cases. No nonunion, malunion, nail dystrophy, pseudarthrosis, or infection occurred. All arthrodeses healed. Conclusions: Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with headless compression screws was shown to be safe and effective in cases of degenerative osteoarthritis, with a low complication rate. Therapeutic IV. © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.