PIPJ replacement has become increasingly popular however, there is very little clinical data available apart from small studies and those from the originators of the prostheses. We present a review of our initial experience with the Acension(c) Pyro-carbon PIP joint. Data was collected from 62 joints in 39 patients with one patient lost to follow-up. Mean age was 61.6 years. 29 patients were female and 10 male. Mean follow up was 22.3 months (range 11 to 54). 7 patients or 11% needed further surgery. The majority were for stiffness with 3 operations for dislocation or component malposition. The total complication rate was 32%, again the biggest problem was stiffness. 4 joints have subluxed or dislocated, 2 had superficial infections. There was no statistical difference in the rate of complications compared to the operated finger or the pre-operative diagnosis. Post-operatively patients had a mean fixed flexion deformity of 19° and flexed to 76° (58° arc). However patients undergoing surgery following trauma do not do as well as the other groups with a decrease in ROM of 33°.Introduction
Results
