Tension band arthrodesis of finger joints: a retrospective review of 76 consecutive cases.

Arthrodesis of finger joints is a reliable method of treating finger joint instability and arthritis. Tension band arthrodesis is an effective method of stable fixation that uses readily available and inexpensive materials. Because fixation is rigid, patients are allowed to move adjacent joints, usually within 1 week after surgery. The results of 76 tension band arthrodesis procedures performed since 1982 in 63 patients were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 38 months. The average time to radiographic fusion was 12 weeks (range, 4 to 64 weeks). One joint failed to fuse and developed a stable, asymptomatic nonunion; thus the fusion rate was 99%. Technical problems that occur with the method include nonparallel pin placement and penetration of pin tips, leading to painful impingement of the soft tissues. A pin-placement guide has been developed to minimize these problems.