Capsulectomy of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.

From July 1975, through March, 1978, 105 metacarpophalangeal joint capsulectomies in 37 patients, 47 dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) capsulectomies in 26 patients, and 65 volar PIP capsulectomies in 41 patients were performed. The procedures were done after conservative methods had failed, and the results were tabulated in each area by diagnostic category. In the major group in which stiffness resulted from fracture and crushing injuries, average gains of 13 degrees to 18 degrees of active motion were achieved, with a change in arc of motion, while nerve paralysis patients did substantially better. The study should clarify expectations from the procedure; functional gains may still be significant.