A Functional Angle of Up to 35° at the Distal Interphalangeal Joint Can Be Achieved with Headless Compression Screw Fusion.

Background: Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint reliably improves symptomatic arthritis. A range of successful surgical techniques including tension band wiring, plate fixation and headless compression screws have been described and produce stable painless unions. For best functional outcome, the fusion angle should be between 10 and 61 degrees.