Alumina ceramic finger implants: a preliminary biomaterial and clinical evaluation.

An alumina ceramic hinge-type finger prosthesis, composed of alumina ceramics and high-density polyethylene, is described. Biomaterial evaluations, including flexion-extension tolerance, stretching, twisting, extraction tests, and histologic examinations of affinity for bone, demonstrated that this implant has characteristics superior to those of previous finger implants. Eighteen proximal interphalangeal joints and 13 metacarpophalangeal joints have been replaced with this alumina ceramic finger implant. Follow-up studies (12 to 31 months) have been most encouraging with satisfactory functional recovery and no fracture or dislocation of the implants.