Artificial Joint Replacement of the Finger

Overview
This procedure, performed under regional or local anesthesia, replaces a diseased or damaged finger joint with an implant made of silicone rubber or hard metal, ceramic or pyrocarbon. This technique can be used to replace the middle joint of the finger (called the PIP joint) or the joint at the base of the finger (called the MCP joint).

Preparation
After anesthesia is administered, the hand is cleansed and sterilized. The patient is positioned so that the surgeon has access to the back of the fingers.

Accessing The Fingers
The surgeon creates an incision along the back of the joint to be replaced. If more than one MCP joint is to be treated, an incision is made across all the joints. The soft tissues are spread to expose the joint.

Preparing The Bones
The damaged ends of the bones are cut away to prepare the surface for the implant. The ends of the bones are carefully prepared with a burr and special instruments to create channels for the implant.

Inserting The Implant
The ends of the implant are implanted into the bone ends. The soft tissues around the joint are repaired to stabilize the joint and the implant.

End Of Procedure And Aftercare
The incision is closed with sutures and the hand is bandaged. A splint is applied to protect the joint while the hand is healing. Hand therapy will be required.