The Nicolle finger joint prosthesis: a reappraisal.

The Nicolle prosthesis was used to replace 101 metacarpophalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over a ten-year period. Mean active flexion achieved was 30 degrees. Mean ulnar deviation was 27 degrees. 4% of joints had to be removed after a mean interval of 42 months, for infection. None of the implants had fractured.