I recently took an xray of a patient who was following up from having PIP joint implants done a while ago. This is just a close up for better detail. Note the 5th digit is turned due to mobility limitations.
The flexibility of the joints were some what limited but that's to be expected with this type of surgery. The thumb joint has a rod through it to immobilize it. Thumbs and pointers aren't likely candidates for the implants however the patient had her pointer finger PIP joint replace. The DIP joints aren't able to be replaced due to how fragile they are and instead are fused like the thumb. The fusions may limit mobility but provide relief for patients suffering from arthritis.
It was really interesting to see these implants for the first time so I did the research online to get a better understanding.
Information source: medicinenet.com/joint_replacement_surgery_of_the_hand/page4.htm
The flexibility of the joints were some what limited but that's to be expected with this type of surgery. The thumb joint has a rod through it to immobilize it. Thumbs and pointers aren't likely candidates for the implants however the patient had her pointer finger PIP joint replace. The DIP joints aren't able to be replaced due to how fragile they are and instead are fused like the thumb. The fusions may limit mobility but provide relief for patients suffering from arthritis.
It was really interesting to see these implants for the first time so I did the research online to get a better understanding.
Information source: medicinenet.com/joint_replacement_surgery_of_the_hand/page4.htm
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