Silicone interpositional arthroplasty of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Twenty-three female patients had silicone interpositional arthroplasty of the distal interphalangeal joint in 38 digits. The operative indications were pain and deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint. The underlying diagnosis was osteoarthritis in all but one patient who had rheumatoid arthritis. The average age at the time of operation was 58.3 years. The implants have been in place for a mean period of 72.2 months (range, 12.6 to 123.1 months). At follow-up, extension lag averaged 12.7 degrees and the range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint had a mean value of 33.2 degrees. Compared with arthrodesis, silicone interpositional arthroplasty offers the advantage of retained motion while preserving stability.