Perichondrial resurfacing arthroplasty in the hand.

A retrospective study of 36 perichondrial resurfacing arthroplasties, 16 metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints, and 20 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints with a minimum follow-up of 3 years was conducted to further define indication and contraindication of this procedure. The overall results for MP joints were 56% good, 25% fair, and 19% revision, and for PIP joints, 55% good, 15% fair, and 30% revision. All arthroplasties for healed pyarthrosis failed. Concomitant tendon repair was a cofactor in the high failure rate. Patient age had a direct influence on the outcome of the arthroplasty. In MP joint arthroplasties, 100% of patients in their 20s had good results and 75% in their 30s had good results. In PIP joint arthroplasties, 75% of patients in their teens and 66% in their 20s had good results. Good results were not recorded in MP or PIP joints for patients older than 40 years of age. Perichondrial resurfacing arthroplasty should be considered contraindicated in the treatment of arthropathies resulting from healed pyarthrosis, systemic diseases with joint involvement, concomitant tendon reconstruction, and age over 40 years. The procedure is indicated and can be utilized in the treatment of traumatic arthritis of the MP and PIP joints of the hand in young individuals.