Abstract
Objective. To determine the mechanisms responsible for the recurrence of ulnar drift after metacarpophalangeal
joint arthroplasty in the rheumatoid hand.
Design. A three-dimensional biomechanical model of the index finger joints was used to predict
the implant loads during several activities of daily living.
Background. Post-operative clinical evaluation of Sutter metacarpophalangeal prostheses shows
a high incidence of fracture and recurrent deformity.
Methods. A six-component force transducer in conjunction with a six-camera motion analysis
system were used to obtain kinematic and external loading data from eight patients
with rheumatoid arthritis during several simulated activities. These data were used
as input into a three-dimensional biomechanical model of the implant and interphalangeal
joints of the index finger. Tendon lines of action and moment arms were obtained using
a series of MRI scans and CAD modelling techniques.
Results. Implant forces were oriented in a radial and dorsal direction to resist the ulnarpalmarly
pull of tendons associated with the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Conclusions. The recurrence of ulnar drift is attributable to fatigue failure of the prostheses.
After fracture the implant is unable to support the repetitive loading patterns experienced
during activities of daily living.
Relevance Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the recurrence of ulnar drift and implant
failure is a step towards improving the prosthesis design, surgical procedures and
ultimately the patient's prognosis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 2,
2002
Received:
November 13,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
