Dr. Ahmed Refaat :: Publications:

Proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis (PIPA) is a reliable method for relief of pain of the arthritic interphalangeal joints, in acute trauma, reconstruction after chronic injury and for inflammatory arthritides. Stability and compression impart solid arthrodesis. Headless compression screw is a good implant to achieve a very high union rate in a relatively short period. Primary arthrodesis after intra-articular comminuted fractures with instability of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) ensures a satisfactory functional outcome with no pain or disability in suitable patients. Study design: a prospective study conducted in Banha university hospital. Patients and methods: 22 patients aged 45 - 57 years with comminuted intraarticular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx and instability of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated with primary arthrodesis of the PIPJ with headless compression screw. Follow up period was 12-18 months. Results: Clinical results and radiological union were assessed at the final follow up. Solid arthrodesis was achieved in all cases with time to union ranged 7-12 weeks (average 9.5 weeks). Superficial infection in 2 cases and wound dehiscence in 5 cases were reported during the follow up period. Conclusion: Primary arthrodesis with headless compression screw for the non-constructible intra-articular injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a rel