Distal Interphalangeal Joint (DIPJ) Soft Tissue Interpositional Arthroplasty

Distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) arthritis can lead to pain, deformity, weakness or functional deficit. Traditionally, surgical management for DIPJ arthritis includes arthrodesis, silicone interpositional arthroplasty and rarely total joint replacement. We performed a new technique in a patient with DIPJ osteoarthritis secondary to psoriatic arthritis. Excisional arthroplasty followed by interpositional arthroplasty with extensor retinaculum from the left wrist was performed. Physical examination at one year post-operatively showed left thumb interphalangeal joint had flexion of 35 degrees with 5 degrees extension lag. He was pain-free over the operated joint. This new soft tissue interpositional arthroplasty can maintain mobility; relieve pain without foreign artificial materials. The authors therefore recommend it as an alternative to the existing options with comparable outcomes.