Surgical Techniques for Correction of Traumatic Hyperextension Instability of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Biomechanical Study

Alan J. Micev, James Saucedo, David M. Kalainov, Liang Wang, Madeleine Ma, Mark A. Yaffe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose To compare the biomechanical strengths of 5 surgical techniques for treatment of traumatic hyperextension instability of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Methods Thirty-six cadaveric fingers were randomly assigned to 6 groups: normal control, volar plate repair, flexor digitorum superficialis tenodesis (FDST), single lateral band transfer (SLBT), double lateral band transfer, and dual split lateral band transfer. For each experimental specimen, the volar plate and accessory collateral ligaments were transected, the PIP joint was hyperextended to 90°, and a PIP joint stabilizing procedure was completed. The ultimate strength of each procedure was ascertained by loading to failure, and the fingers were dissected to determine the pathoanatomy of failure. Force-displacement curves were used to estimate the stiffness of each group, and multiple pairwise statistical comparisons were performed. Results The mean PIP joint stiffness in the control group was significantly greater than the mean PIP joint stiffness in the FDST and SLBT groups, but not significantly different from the mean PIP joint stiffness in the other 3 groups. There were no significant differences in the mean PIP joint stiffness between the 5 joint stabilizing techniques. The SLBT, double lateral band transfer, and dual split lateral band transfer repairs all failed by massive disruption of the flexor tendon sheath, whereas the volar plate repairs and FDST repairs failed by either suture anchor pullout or suture breakage. Conclusions The stiffness of 5 surgical techniques to stabilize a traumatic hyperextensible PIP joint did not vary significantly. Clinical relevance The 5 described techniques to stabilize a posttraumatic PIP joint hyperextension deformity may provide for equal restraint to PIP joint hyperextension instability in the early postoperative period. The choice of procedure should take into consideration other factors not studied, including the potential for PIP joint flexion contracture and long-term durability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number54548
Pages (from-to)1631-1637
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Hand Surgery
Volume40
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2015

Keywords

  • flexor digitorum superficialis tenodesis
  • lateral band transfer
  • Proximal interphalangeal joint
  • sprain
  • volar plate repair

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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