Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a compression wire: A comparative biomechanical study.

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a proven technique for treating of a range of pathological conditions, including osteoarthritis. There are multiple surgical procedures. A biomechanical study was conducted to compare the stability of a compression wire to intraosseous wiring for the arthrodesis. Seventeen formalin-fixed human fingers were randomly assigned into two groups and the bone mineral density was determined. Arthrodesis in 20° flexion was performed using an oblique compression wire (n=8) or intraosseous wiring (n=9). The stability of the arthrodesis was tested by applying a tensile bending force until failure. The mean force needed to fail the compression wire arthrodesis and intraosseous wire arthrodesis was not significantly different (76.2N, SD 31N and 63.0N, SD 28N). There was no correlation between bone density and force to failure. The compression wire was within the approximate range achieved by intraosseous wiring in withstanding substantial force before failure. From a biomechanical point of view, a compression wire is feasible for PIP arthrodesis.