Transfer of a composite island homodigital distal interphalangeal joint to replace the proximal interphalangeal joint. Technique and case report.

The authors present an original technique of PIP joint reconstruction by an homo-digital island compound DIP joint transfer. The transfer consists of joint, capsule, volar plate, and ligaments. The distal joint is fused and the islanded joint interposed at the PIP level. In our clinical case, a flexion of 80 degrees was obtained with an extension lack of 15 degrees. This salvage procedure can be useful in selected well motivated patients. It provides rapid bone healing, good lateral stability, potential for growth in children, long term preservation of cartilage and acceptable range of motion.