Risk factors in distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in the hand: a retrospective study of 173 cases

Abstract: In this retrospective study we aimed to analyse the risk factors for complications after different methods of distal interphalangeal arthrodesis in the hand. Forty-four per cent were treated with K-wire/cerclage fixation, 46% with X-fuse® implants (Stryker GmbH, Selzach, Switzerland) and 10% with headless compression screws (HBS®-screw, KLS Martin Group, Tuttlingen, Germany). The median follow-up was 16 weeks (range 6–224). The overall complication incidence was 44% (minor complications 29% and major 15%). The logistic regression showed that osteoarthritis, revisional arthrodesis and smoking had a negative impact on the total complication incidence. A Cox-regression analysis showed that HBS®-screw arthrodesis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of major complications compared with K-wire/cerclage and X-Fuse®-arthrodesis. Revisional arthrodesis was five times more frequently connected with major complications than primary surgery. Smokers were three times more likely to experience major complications than non-smokers. We conclude that arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint often leads to complications. Risk factors must be kept in mind

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: The journal of hand surgery. European volume. - 47, 9 (2022) , 907-914, ISSN: 2043-6289

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2022
• Creator: Runkel, Alexander ; Bonaventura, Bastian ; Sundermann, Britta Vanessa ; Zajonc, Horst ; Eisenhardt, Steffen Ulrich ; Leibig, Nico

Further information

• DOI: 10.1177/17531934221111641
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2286586
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:51 AM CEST