Autograft replacement of small joint defects in the hand.

Intraarticular injuries to the small joints of the hand with attendant loss of cartilage can result in the development of posttraumatic arthritis with functional disability due to pain and loss of motion. Traditional treatment options often have yielded suboptimal results in terms of functional return, particularly when applied once contracture or arthritic change already has developed. Acute management of cartilage loss by osteochondral reconstruction with restitution of the articular surface may diminish the likelihood or severity of potential post-traumatic degenerative changes.