Distal Interphalangeal (DIP), Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Implants

Number: 0798

Policy

Aetna considers the following metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint implants medically necessary for members with symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis when conservative medical management fails to relieve pain or when digit deformity is interfering with hand function and activities of daily living:

  • Ascension MCP joint implants of the index, long, ring, and small finger when soft tissue reconstruction can provide adequate stabilization; or
  • Ascension PIP joint implants when soft tissue and bone can provide adequate stabilization and fixation, and the member expects to place his/her hands under high-loading situations after reconstruction; or
  • Avanta MCP and PIP joint implants when soft tissue and bone can provide adequate stabilization and fixation, and the member expects to place his/her hands under high-loading situations after reconstruction; or
  • Silicone-elastomer MCP and PIP total joint implants.

Aetna considers MCP and PIP joint implants for all other indications experimental and investigational because their value is unproven for all other indications.

Aetna considers distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint implants/splints experimental and investigational for members with symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis because their value is unproven for these and all other indications.

Aetna considers resurfacing arthroplasty of the PIP joint experimental and investigational in the treatment of osteoarthritis and all other indications.

Aetna considers carpometacarpal (CMC) joint/trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint implants experimental and investigational for members with symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis because their value is unproven for these and all other indications.

See also CPB 0708 - Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint Replacement.

Background

Arthritis of the hand joints is a common disorder that frequently deteriorates over time, although its severity of symptoms, rate of deterioration and functional effects vary.  When conservative medical management fails to relieve pain or when digit deformity is interfering with hand function and activities of daily living, surgical interventions are considered.  For individuals with metacarpophalangeal (MCP) deformities, surgical options include synovectomy, intrinsic release/transfer, extensor tendon relocation, arthrodesis, and implant arthroplasty.  Fewer surgical options exist for the arthritic interphalangeal (PIP) joint.  Currently, individuals with arthritis of the PIP joint have 2 surgical options: arthrodesis or implant arthroplasty.  Arthrodesis provides good pain relief and stability, however, finger function is lost in exchange for these benefits.

Proponents of artificial hand joints have suggested that these protheses reduce pain, increase mobility and improve function compared with alternative treatments.  Numerous total joint devices have been developed to reconstruct the MCP and PIP joints.  However, regardless of design, these devices usually fail due to difficulties in restoring the biomechanics of the joint.  In 1970, Swanson developed the silicone interpositional arthroplasty implant.  Although this device is a joint spacer and not a total joint replacement, it provides good pain relief.  Despite its numerous shortcomings (e.g., implant fracture, bone reaction adjacent to the implant, implant dislocation, silicone synovitis, and little active range of motion), the silicone spacer remains the preferred choice for the prosthetic reconstruction of the MCP and PIP joints (Hilker et al, 2007; Garcia-Moral, 2009).

Takigawa et al (2004) evaluated the Swanson silicone implant arthroplasty of the PIP joint, specifically evaluating clinical results with long-term assessment.  A retrospective review of 70 silicone implants of the PIP joint in 48 patients was performed with an average follow-up period of 6.5 years (range of 3 to 20 years).  Clinical assessment included motion, stability, and alignment.  Radiographic assessment included implant fracture, deformity, and cystic bone resorption.  The pathology consisted of degenerative joint disease in 14, post-traumatic arthritis in 11, rheumatoid arthritis in 13, and idiopathic arthritis associated with collagen disease in 12 patients.  Swan neck and boutonniere deformities were assessed separately.  Statistical analysis of pre-operative risk factors was compared with the post-operative assessment of pain, motion, and function (return to work).  There was no significant change in the active range-of-motion (ROM) before and after PIP arthroplasty (26 degrees versus 30 degrees).  Correction of swan neck and boutonniere deformities was difficult, usually leading to poor results.  There was improvement in maximum active extension before surgery lacking 32 degrees to after surgery lacking 18 degrees.  From a statistical standpoint rheumatoid joint involvement with PIP arthroplasty had poorer results than degenerative or post-traumatic arthritis with respect to pain relief and ROM.  Pain relief was present in 70 % of replaced PIP joints with residual pain and loss of strength in 30 %.  Radiographic analysis showed abnormal bone formation (cystic changes) in 45 %.  There were 11 implant fractures and 9 joints that required revision surgery.  The authors concluded that silicone replacement of the PIP joint is effective in providing pain relief from arthritis but does not provide improvement in motion or correction of deformity.  It provided a poorer outcome in rheumatoid disease in comparison with degenerative, post-traumatic, or idiopathic arthritis.

Individuals who are very active and use their hands for heavy labor may not be good candidates for the silicone rubber spacer.  Due to the shortcomings of the silicone implant, other materials have been investigated in the hopes of improving long-term outcomes of finger joint implants.  Pyrocarbon, a form of pyrolytic carbon, is a strong, durable, ceramic-like material that has proven its biocompatibility and durability in artificial heart valves and is being used in artificial hand joints as an alternative to silicone implants for end-stage arthritis.  

The Ascension MCP (Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., Austin, TX) received pre-market approval (PMA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001.  It is indicated for use as a total joint replacement of the index, long, ring, and small finger MCP joints that exhibit symptoms of pain, limited motion, or inadequate body alignment (i.e., subluxation/dislocation) secondary to articular destruction or degenerative disease related to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis where soft tissue reconstruction can provide adequate stabilization.  In the approval letter, the FDA stated that Ascension Orthopedics, Inc. is required to conduct a post-approval study to obtain 12 months of post-operative data on each Ascension MCP device implanted in a minimum of 100 patients at 4 sites.

The Ascension PIP (Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., Austin, TX) pyrocarbon total joint is a bicondylar, anatomically shaped, articulating implant that allows joint flexion-extension, while providing some restriction of adduction-abduction motion.  The FDA granted a humanitarian use device approval for the Ascension PIP joint implant on March 22, 2002 for use in arthroplasty of the PIP joint when the patient has soft tissue and bone that can provide adequate stabilization and fixation under high-demand loading conditions after reconstruction and needs a revision of a failed PIP prosthesis, or has pain, limited motion, or joint subluxation/dislocation secondary to damage or destruction of the articular cartilage.  The FDA noted that compared to current treatment alternatives, such as arthrodesis or resection arthroplasty with a silicone spacer, the Ascension PIP may provide the potential benefits of increased motion and function, and may be used on patients whose strength and motion demands would exceed the capabilities of the currently available 1-piece silicone spacers.  The FDA concluded that pre-clinical testing of the Ascension PIP device demonstrated that the wear resistance, fracture strength, fatigue resistance, and resistance to articulating surface contact damage is acceptable for its intended use.

The Ontario Ministry of Health (2004) conducted a systematic review to identify the subset of patients who might benefit from pyrocarbon finger joint implants and to compare the safety and effectiveness of the pyrocarbon finger joint implants with the most commonly used implants for MCP and PIP joint arthroplasty.  The authors identified the following important considerations in patient selection:
  1. the condition of associated soft tissues and ligaments,
  2. the activity level of the patient, and
  3. the age of the patient.
The authors stated that "[p]yrobarbon can be considered for patients in whom soft tissues, capsules, and the collateral ligaments as the primary movers of the finger joints are better preserved.  Therefore, it is indicated for young patients with post-traumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis.  Patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, in which adjacent ligaments and soft tissues are badly damaged, are not good candidates for pyrocarbon finger joint implants for the restoration of function.  Silicone finger joint implants are not suitable for patients who are at risk of implant fracture due to high-demand loading conditions and frequent hand movements.  For young patients, an implant made of a highly durable and resistant material such as pyrocarbon is expected to reduce the rate of implant fracture.  The current evidence does not support the use of pyrocarbon finger joint implants for older patients and patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis.  In these patients, silicone arthroplasty can be a final salvage procedure."

Based upon a systematic evidence review on artificial MCP and PIP joint replacement for end-stage arthritis, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2005) concluded that "[c]urrent evidence on the safety and efficacy of artificial MCP and interphalangeal (IP) joint replacement of the hand for end-stage arthritis appears adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that the normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.  Most of the evidence was based on a single type of joint prosthesis.  The range of prostheses used is continually changing and clinicians are encouraged to submit their results to the appropriate joint-replacement registry for the evaluation of long-term outcomes of different types of prosthesis."  The specialist advisors to the Institute's Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee noted the following potential adverse effects: stiffness, loosening of the prosthesis, generation of wear debris, bone resorption, nerve injury, wound hematoma, silicone synovitis, infection and prosthesis fatigue.

Stutz et al (2005) evaluated the pyrolytic carbon Ascension PIP implant for replacing the PIP joint in 13 patients and reported that at 1 year the ROM of the PIP joint improved from 0-28-51 pre-operatively to 0-22-77 post-operatively (average value), pain relief was achieved at rest and in motion of 80 % on the visual analog scale (VAS) (0: no pain, 10: incapacitating pain) and on the verbal analog scale an improvement of 62 % was achieved.  The authors concluded that pyrolytic carbon implants reduce pain and are functionally superior to arthrodesis, however, a precise and individual post-operative protocol is necessary for beneficial results.

Schulz et al (2005) retrospectively reviewed the results of 20 out of 29 patients with idiopathic or post-traumatic arthritis who had been treated with the Ascension pyrolytic carbon PIP joint prosthesis from April 2002 to April 2004.  Clinical, subjective and radiologic parameters were studied.  On follow-up after 0.5 to 2.5 years the patients were satisfied with the pain relief; ROM varied.  However, with an average ROM of 50 degrees it was equivalent to the results in the literature.  Signs of periprosthetic cysts, osteophytes and loosening of the proximal as well as of the distal component could be seen in the radiograms of some patients.  There was no correlation between these radiologic observations and ROM, pain or grip strength.  In 3 cases the joint prosthesis had to be converted to an arthrodesis of the PIP joint.  Bearing in mind the correct indications (intact collateral ligaments, stable bone stock and sufficient extensor and flexor tendons), pyrocarbon prostheses are a treatment option for idiopathic and post-traumatic arthritis preserving motion and reducing pain.  Radiologic results seem to indicate an absence of osteointegration and tension forces at the prosthesis/bone interface.  Further investigation will be necessary to improve surface and design to increase radiologic results in long-term follow-up.  Additional surveys are required to improve indications, surgical approach and intra-operative control of correct component positioning.

Herren et al (2006) reported problematic bone fixation with the use of pyrocarbon implants in PIP joints.  Seventeen pyrocarbon PIP prostheses were implanted into 14 patients, followed prospectively and reviewed clinically.  The patients were assessed after a mean follow-up of 20.5 months subjectively by a VAS and radiographically.  Significant pain relief was noted in all patients from a mean of 7.6 pre-operatively to 1.3 at final follow-up.  Migration of one, or both, components was observed radiographically in 8 joints and radiolucent lines were evident in 3 more cases.  The clinical results of the implants that had migrated were less favorable for ROM and grip strength than the stable joints of this series, although statistically the results were not significant.  The number of possibly unstable prostheses in this series raises the question as to whether pyrocarbon is suitable for uncemented pressfit fixation in combination with early functional rehabilitation.

Nunley et al (2006) prospectively evaluated the subjective and objective functional outcome of patients treated with a pyrolytic carbon PIP joint arthroplasty for post-traumatic arthritis.  Five patients (7 joints) with traumatic injuries to the PIP joint were followed-up for more than 1 year after pyrolytic carbon arthroplasty.  All patients were treated with surgical reduction and stabilization at the time of the initial injury, but at a minimum of 6 months after the initial injury they had persistent pain, loss of motion, and functional limitations.  All patients had a stable PIP joint with a satisfactory extensor mechanism but had radiographic evidence of post-traumatic arthritis.  Patients were evaluated before and after arthroplasty with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and VAS and by radiographic and physical examination.  At an average of 17 months, the mean DASH questionnaire score was unchanged.  The pain rating on the VAS was 6 out of 10 before surgery and 4 out of 10 after surgery; this change was not statistically significant.  The average ROM of the PIP joint decreased by 10 degrees at the last evaluation.  Grip strength improved from an average of 47 lb to 63 lb after surgery.  The authors concluded that the subjective and objective functional outcomes in 5 patients more than 1 year after pyrolytic carbon PIP joint arthroplasty for PIP joint trauma were disappointing and for post-traumatic patients, they no longer use pyrolytic carbon PIP joint arthroplasty.

In a prospective study, Hilker et al (2007) evaluated 28 Ascension pyrocarbon prostheses with a mean follow-up of 4 years and reported that stability was not a problem, subjective results were satisfactory, and the ROM remained unchanged; however 46 % of prosthesis stems exhibited radiolucent seams, 7 prostheses (25 %) were rated as loose and 5 of those had to be replaced by a silicone implant.  Use of the implant was abandoned as it was unreliable regarding bony fixation. 

Bravo et al (2007) retrospectively reviewed the surgical technique, post-operative therapy/splinting protocols, and clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who had pyrolytic carbon PIP joint arthroplasty.  A total of 50 PIP joint replacements in 35 patients were performed with a minimum follow-up period of 27 months.  Indications for surgery included pain, decreased ROM, instability, and/or deformity.  The pre-operative diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 14, rheumatoid arthritis in 11, and post-traumatic arthritis in 10.  There were 20 women and 15 men affected.  The average age at the time of surgery was 53 years.  The fingers replaced included the index (n = 15), middle (n = 18), ring (n = 10), and small (n = 7).  The pre-operative arc of motion averaged 40 degrees (0 degrees to 60 degrees), and the pinch and grip measurements averaged 3 and 19 kg, respectively.  The pre-operative pain scores averaged 6 (scale 0 to 10) on a VAS.  The arc of motion was 47 degrees after surgery, and the average pinch and grip measurements were 4 and 25 kg, respectively.  Pain scores improved to 1.  At the final follow-up evaluation the overall patient satisfaction was nearly 80 %.  The results of index finger PIP replacements are compatible with other digits.  Fourteen joints (in 14 patients) to date have required additional procedures to improve or maintain joint motion/function or pain; 5 for minor reasons and 9 for major complications.  No infections were noted.  Although not medically necessary, 2 patients requested and had an amputation.  Radiographic subsidence and subsequent settling (in accordance with Wolff's law) without apparent loosening occurred in 20 joints.  Twenty-eight percent of patients required a second procedure and 8 % required a revision arthroplasty.  Radiographs showed gross changes in implant and eventual settling to a stable position in 40 % of the joints.  The authors concluded that the pyrolytic carbon implant arthroplasty showed improved pain relief and good overall patient satisfaction at the 2-year minimum follow-up evaluation, however, a longer follow-up period will help to better determine the efficacy of this implant.

Meier et al (2007) reported outcomes of PIP replacement with the pyrolytic carbon prostheses.  Indications included symptomatic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint with preservation of the collateral ligaments, sufficient bone support, and intact or at least reconstructable extensor tendons.  Contraindications included: lack of stability (e.g., as a result of rheumatoid arthritis or destruction of the ligaments caused by an accident), non-reconstructable extensor tendons, florid or chronic infection, and lack of patient compliance.  Twenty patients were treated for post-traumatic or idiopathic arthritis with 24 pyrolytic carbon PIP prostheses, and a follow-up examination was carried out after an average of 15 months (6-30 months).  Surgical management was changed from arthroplasty to arthrodesis in 3 cases.  For the remaining prostheses, an average ROM of 50 degrees was achieved for the PIP joint.  On the VAS (0: no pain, 10: incapacitating pain), the patients suffered few symptoms (0 to 3).  Eighty percent of patients said they were satisfied with the outcome of the operation.  In 3 cases (1 infection, 2 dislocations) the prostheses had to be removed and arthrodesis performed.  Migration of the distal components was observed on the radiographs in 5 cases, and of the proximal components in 4 cases, although this did not have any effect on the functional parameters.  The development of a painless noise ("squeaking") was noticed in 9 out of 21 prostheses.  However, as with prosthetic migration, this did not cause any functional deficits.

Branam et al (2007) compared the outcomes of silicone PIP arthroplasties to pyrolytic carbon implants in patients with osteoarthritis in a retrospective review of 41 arthroplasties in 22 patients with severe PIP joint osteoarthritis performed by a single surgeon.  There were 13 patients and 22 joints in the silicone group with an average follow-up of 45 months.  There were 9 patients and 19 joints in the pyrolytic carbon group with an average follow-up of 19 months.  Clinical assessment included ROM, grip strength, and deformity.  Radiographs were evaluated for alignment, subsidence, and implant fracture.  Patients filled out a subjective questionnaire with respect to pain, appearance of the finger, and satisfaction.  Complications were recorded.  In the silicone group, the average pre-operative PIP joint ROM was 11 degrees/64 degrees (extension/flexion) and the average post-operative ROM was 13 degrees/62 degrees.  In the pyrolytic carbon group, the average pre-operative PIP joint ROM was 11 degrees/63 degrees and the average post-operative ROM was 13 degrees/66 degrees.  Eleven of 20 joints in the silicone group and 4 of 19 joints in the pyrolytic carbon group had a coronal plane deformity as defined by angulation of the PIP joint greater than or equal to10 degrees.  The average coronal plane deformity was 12 degrees in the silicone group and 2 degrees in the pyrolytic carbon group.  The difference was statistically significant.  In the silicone group, 3 of 22 joints required additional surgery.  Two implants in 1 patient were removed and the PIP joint fused, and 1 implant was permanently removed for sepsis.  In the pyrolytic carbon group, 8 of 19 joints squeaked, and there were 2 early post-operative dislocations and 2 implants with radiographic loosening.  To date, there has been no revision surgery.  Both groups had good pain relief.  Patients were generally satisfied with the appearance of their joints in the pyrolytic carbon arm; however, satisfaction with appearance was variable in the silicone group.  Nine of 13 patients in the silicone group and 6 of 7 patients in the pyrolytic carbon group would have the procedure again.  The authors reported that both implants provide excellent pain relief and comparable post-operative ROM.  Complications were implant specific.  The authors concluded that the results of this series show promise for the pyrolytic carbon PIP joint resurfacing arthroplasty but did not clearly demonstrate superiority compared with the silicone implant.

The Avanta MCP and PIP joint finger implants (Avanta Orthopaedics, Inc., San Diego, CA) received  humanitarian use device approval from the FDA for use in arthroplasty of the MCP or PIP joints when the patient is in need of a revision of failed MCP or PIP prosthesis(es); or the patient expects to place his/her hands under loading situations which preclude the use of an alternative implant in the painful osteo-arthritic and post-traumatic MCP or PIP joint.  The distal components are made of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and the proximal components consists of a cobalt chromiun-molybdenum articulating surface.

Moller and colleagues (2005) compared the results of the Avanta versus Swanson silicone implants in the MCP joint in a prospective, randomized comparison of 30 patients (120 implants).  At 2-year follow-up, grip strength was measured, hand function was assessed with the Sollerman test and the subjective outcome was determined with VAS.  With both implants ulnar deviation and flexion deformities decreased, and there was no difference between the groups.  The increase in ROM was 7 degrees greater with Avanta implants than with Swanson implants.  Grip strength and hand function were unaltered but the VAS showed decreased pain levels and subjective improvements in hand function, grip strength and cosmesis.  Twenty-four of 30 patients were satisfied.  Fracture of the silicone spacer occurred with 12 Avanta (20 %) and 8 Swanson implants (13 %), with a higher fracture frequency in men.

In a randomized prospective trial, Escott et al (2010) compared post-operative ROM and function of Swanson and NeuFlex MCP joint implants.  A total of 33 patients who had rheumatoid arthritis underwent primary MCP arthroplasty of all 4 fingers in 40 hands; 20 received Swanson implants and 20 received NeuFlex implants.  Exclusion criteria included diagnosis of other connective tissue disorders and previous MCP joint surgery.  All participants followed the same post-operative rehabilitation protocol.  The primary outcome measure was active MCP flexion.  Secondary outcomes included active MCP extension, arc of motion, ulnar drift, function (Jamar grip strength and Sollerman hand function test), and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire.  Patients were assessed pre-operatively and 12 months post-operatively.  Patients' mean age was 62.5 years (Swanson) and 58.1 years (NeuFlex) (p = 0.03).  A total of 19 of 20 hands (Swanson) and 14 of 20 hands (NeuFlex) were from female patients.  Pre-operative active ROM was not significantly different.  At follow-up, both groups demonstrated increased active extension and arc of motion (p < 0.001), reduced active flexion and improved ulnar deviation (p < 0.001), increased mean Sollerman and Michigan Hand Questionnaire domain scores (p < 0.001), and improved grip strength (p = 0.03).  Active MCP flexion was significantly greater in all 4 digits of hands with NeuFlex implants compared with Swanson implants.  The NeuFlex group demonstrated a greater total arc of motion in the little finger.  Implant groups were not significantly different by individual digit for active MCP extension, ulnar drift, and composite flexion.  Functional outcomes did not differ between groups.  Patients with Swanson implants reported higher Michigan Hand Questionnaire scores in the function and aesthetics domains.  The authors concluded that both implant groups obtained satisfactory clinical improvement after MCP reconstruction of the hand.  The NeuFlex group demonstrated superior ROM, whereas the Swanson group had better self-reported function and aesthetics, but not objectively measured function.

Distal InterPhalangeal (DIP) Joint

Rehart and Kerschbaumer (2003) noted that finger joints were first replaced with endo-prostheses in 1940 by Burman.  Indications for the procedure are degenerative, post-traumatic or arthritis related destruction of the joints of the hand.  Nowadays, several more or less comparable prosthetic designs are available.  The replacement of single bones of the wrist has not been of lasting success.  Occasionally, an indication for arthroplasty of the trapezium-metacarpal joint of the thumb may exist.  The MCP joint of the thumb should, in the authors' experience, be fused when the need arises.  Up until the present, the silastic spacer of Swanson for the MCP and PIP joints has not shown any substantial development, although a variety of designs have been introduced.  Questions related to the complicated biomechanics of these articulations in combination with problems concerning the material to be used, intra-osseous fixation, the articulation of the prosthesis components and the design of the stems have not yet been solved convincingly.  The Swanson spacers in mid-term to long-term follow-ups show little active ROM, although the subjective patient satisfaction is very high and the potential for removal at its best.  The authors stated that they do not see an indication for arthroplasty in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) finger joints.

Drake and Segalman (2010) noted that arthritis in the small joints of the hand can be treated with arthrodesis or arthroplasty.  Arthrodesis has known risks of infection, pain, and nonunion.  Distal interphalangeal arthroplasty has been successful in preserving motion and alleviating pain for distal DIP, PIP, and MCP joints.  Unfortunately, complications arise that limit the success of surgery.  Silicone implants have been reliable for many years but still present with the risks of infection, implant breakage, stiffness, and pain.  Newer implant designs may limit some of these complications, but present with unique problems such as dislocations and loosening.  It is not yet clear as to which type of implant provides the most reliable results, although implant arthroplasty appears to give better function than arthrodesis.  Silicone arthroplasty does not lead to silicone synovitis and is a reliable procedure.  Pyrocarbon implants are showing some promise, particularly in the osteoarthritic patient.

Ikeda et al (2010) examined the usefulness of a custom-made splint for treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the DIP joints.  The splint was designed to be easily detachable so as not to diminish finger pad sensation or interfere with PIP joint motion.  These researchers enrolled 25 patients (24 women and 1 man, mean age of 58 years) with painful osteoarthritis of the DIP joints of the fingers and thumbs in this cohort study.  Nineteen patients had multiple affected digits in one or both hands.  Splints were applied to protect and immobilize the DIP joints.  These investigators assessed the outcome of this treatment using the VAS pain score and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score for subjective assessment of symptoms.  The mean follow-up period after wearing the splint until assessment was 6 months.  Subjects were assessed 6 months after they started wearing the splint.  Pain decreased from 100 % at pre-treatment to 34 % at final follow-up.  So, the average improvement ratio was 66 %.  The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand disability/symptom score changes were not statistically significant (28 points pre-treatment and 17 points at final follow-up).  The authors concluded that this splint reduced pain from DIP osteoarthritis according to the VAS; however, this does not enable the patient to obtain completely satisfactory function of the upper extremities.

Dickson and colleagues (2014) performed a systematic review of all studies on DIP joint arthrodesis published within the English literature to provide a comparison of the different techniques. The published studies were predominantly of Level IV evidence. The most commonly employed techniques were Kirschner wire, headless compression screw and cerclage wires. There was no difference in infection rates. Headless compression screws appeared to have increased union rates but are associated with complications not seen with other well-established and cheaper techniques. The screw diameter is often similar to or larger than the joint itself, which can result in penetration. Furthermore, they limit the available angle for achieving fusion. Other than in terms of union, there is insufficient evidence to show the headless compression screw is superior to other techniques.

In a prospective study, Jakubek and colleagues (2017) evaluated the nitinol (X-Fuse) implant in arthrodesis of the DIP and the thumb joints with respect to bone fusion and clinical efficiency.  This study included 24 consecutive patients (7 men, 17 women; mean age of 56.8 years; range of 27 to 79 years) with nitinol (X-Fuse) implants in their 41 joints.  All patients were followed-up clinically and radiographically with respect to fusion, complications and outcome at a minimum of 14 months post-operatively (mean of 28 ± 6 months).  X-rays, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and VAS scores were recorded pre-operatively and at post-operative 5th week, third month, 1st year, and subsequent visits.  The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved significantly from pre-operative 37.7 points to post-operative 14.5 points at 1st year.  The VAS score improved significantly from pre-operative 5.5 to post-operative 0.85 points at 1st year.  Failure to fuse only occurred in 2 joints (5 %), resulting in fusion after re-operation.  No other severe complications such as deep infection, intra-operative fracture, wound healing problems or regional dystrophy were observed.  The authors concluded that the X-Fuse implant may be a reliable alternative method for finger joint arthrodesis.  Moreover, they stated that further multi-center clinical studies with a greater number of patients and longer follow-up periods are needed to establish a possible superiority of this system compared to other techniques of arthrodesis.

The authors noted that this study had several drawbacks: They primarily analyzed only a small number of patients (n = 24) at their institution within the short-term (mean of 28 months).  Furthermore, this study was an observational study.  Different methods of interphalangeal arthrodesis could be compared and contrasted within future efforts.

Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint/Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) Joint

Bozentka (2010) noted that resection arthroplasty with or without ligament reconstruction for thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthritis can be complicated by thumb shortening and pinch-strength weakness. Implant arthroplasties have been developed to limit loss of thumb length, improve strength, and limit post-operative convalescence. The ideal thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) implant should be strong and stable, provide full ROM, and prevent loosening. Unfortunately, no current prosthesis accomplishes all of these goals. The author concluded that until the ideal implant is developed, clinical acumen must be used to determine appropriate patients and implants.

Vermeulen et al (2011) provided an updated systematic review on the 8 most commonly used surgical procedures to treat TMC osteoarthritis. A thorough literature search was performed using pre-determined criteria. A total of 35 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 9 of these 35 articles were not included in previous systematic reviews. Systematic evaluation demonstrated the following:
  1. There is no evidence that trapeziectomy or trapeziectomy with tendon interposition is superior to any of the other techniques. However, when interposition is performed, autologous tissue interposition seems to be preferable;
  2. Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is not superior to any of the other techniques. However, follow-up in the studies with a higher level of evidence was relatively short (12 months); therefore, long-term benefits could not be assessed. In addition, trapeziectomy with LRTI seems associated with a higher complication rate;
  3. Because the studies on thumb CMC arthrodesis were of less methodological quality and had inconsistent outcomes, we are not able to conclude whether CMC arthrodesis is superior to any other technique. Therefore, high-level randomized trials comparing CMC arthrodesis with other procedures are needed. Nevertheless, findings in the newly included studies did show that nonunion rates in the literature are on average 8 % to 21 % and, complications and repeat surgeries are more frequent following CMC arthrodesis; and
  4. A study on joint replacement showed that total joint prosthesis might have better short-term results compared to trapeziectomy with LRTI.

However, high-level randomized trials comparing total joint prosthesis with other procedures are needed. In addition, there is no evidence that the Artelon spacer is superior to trapeziectomy with LRTI. The authors concluded that, at this time, no surgical procedure is proven to be superior to another. However, based on good results of CMC arthrodesis and total joint prostheses, these researchers postulated that there could be differences between the various surgical procedures. Therefore randomized clinical trials of CMC arthrodesis and total joint prostheses compared to trapeziectomy with long follow-up (greater than 1 year) are needed.

Jager et al (2013) noted that trapeziectomy has been the basis of basal thumb arthritis surgical treatment since the 1950s. This resection arthroplasty has been continuously refined (soft-tissue interposition, ligament reconstruction, spacer implantation, etc.) without leading to a dramatic outcome improvement. Pain decrease is often satisfying in the long-term, but comfort during the early post-operative period may vary. Those disadvantages of trapeziectomy led to the emergence of total TMC prostheses in the 1970s, with a constant improvement of implant design. Few series have compared those 2 surgical techniques side-by-side, and prospective ones are even rarer. These investigators compared total TMC prosthesis and trapeziectomy-interposition in the very short-term in 2 similar groups of female patients, to determine whether prosthesis led to faster recovery or not. These researchers compared a total TMC prosthesis (MAIA) and trapeziectomy-interposition in the immediate and short-term (6 months), for objective, subjective, functional criteria, as well as short-term comfort or discomfort. They prospectively followed 2 comparable cohorts of 47 and 27 female patients above 50 years of age, treated for basal joint arthritis with a constrained TMC joint prosthesis or trapeziectomy-interposition, respectively. The patients were followed post-operatively for 6 months. Mobility, pain reduction, satisfaction, strength and functional scores were better in the prosthesis group. The pinch strength improved by 30 %, the length of the thumb column was maintained, and better correction of the subluxation was obtained in this group. There were 6 cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis and 1 case of loosening due to trauma. The authors concluded that in the short-term, the MAIA TMC prosthesis gave better outcome than trapeziectomy with interposition. Moreover, they stated that this has to be confirmed in the long-term and after revision surgery that will be likely to occur.

Hentz (2014) stated that the TMC joint's unique anatomy and biomechanics render it susceptible to degeneration. For 60 years, treatment of the painful joint has been surgical when non-operative modalities have failed. Dozens of different operations have been proposed, including total or subtotal resection of the trapezium or resection and implant arthroplasty. Proponents initially reported high levels of patient satisfaction, but longer-term reports sometimes failed to support initial good results. To-date, no one procedure has been shown to be superior to another. The author identified factors responsible for the development of many different procedures to treat the same pathology and factors influencing whether procedures remained in the armamentarium or were abandoned. A non-systematic historical review of English-language surgical journals using the key words "carpometacarpal arthritis", or "trapeziometacarpal arthritis", and "surgery" in combination with "history" using the PubMed database was carried out. In addition, bibliographies of pertinent articles were reviewed. The factors that led to many surgical innovations appeared to be primarily theoretical concerns about the shortcomings of previously described procedures, especially about proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal after trapezial resection. Longevity of a particular procedure seems to be related to simplicity of design, especially for prosthetic arthroplasty. The evolution of surgery for TMC joint arthritis both paralleled and diverged from that in other joints. For example, for most degenerated joints (even many in the hand), treatment evolved from resection arthroplasty to implant arthroplasty. In contrast, for the TMC joint, the 60-yearold procedure of trapezial resection continues to be performed by a majority of surgeons; many modifications of that procedure have been offered, but none have shown better pain reduction or increased function over the original procedure. In parallel, many differently designed prosthetic total or hemi-joint arthroplasties have been proposed and performed, again with as yet unconvincing evidence that this technology improved results over those obtained by simple resection arthroplasty. The author concluded that many procedures have been described to treat TMC joint arthritis, from simple trapezial resection to complex soft tissue arthroplasty to prosthetic arthroplasty. In the absence of evidence for the superiority of any one procedure, surgeons should consider using established procedures rather than adopting novel ones, though novel procedures can and should be tested in properly designed clinical trials.

In a Cochrane review, Wajon and colleagues (2015) examined the effects of different surgical techniques for TMC (thumb) osteoarthritis. These investigators searched the following sources up to August 8, 2013: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1950 to August 2013), EMBASE (1974 to August 2013), CINAHL (1982 to August 2013), Clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) and World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Trials Portal (to August 2013). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs where the intervention was surgery for people with thumb osteoarthritis were selected for analysis. Outcomes were pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure or TMC joint imaging. These researchers excluded trials that compared non-surgical interventions with surgery. They used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors independently screened and included studies according to the inclusion criteria, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, including adverse events. The authors included 11 studies with 670 participants; 7 surgical procedures were identified:
  1. trapeziectomy with LRTI,
  2. trapeziectomy,
  3. trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction,
  4. trapeziectomy with interpositional arthroplasty (IA),
  5. Artelon joint resurfacing,
  6. arthrodesis and
  7. Swanson joint replacement. Most included studies had an unclear risk of most biases which raised doubt about the results.
No procedure demonstrated any superiority over another in terms of pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure (re-operation) or TMC joint imaging. One study demonstrated a difference in adverse events (mild-moderate swelling) between Artelon joint replacement and trapeziectomy with tendon interposition. However, the quality of evidence was very low due to a high risk of bias and imprecision of results. Low quality evidence suggested trapeziectomy with LRTI may not provide additional benefits or result in more adverse events over trapeziectomy alone. Mean pain (3 studies, 162 participants) was 26 mm on a 0 to 100 mm VAS (0 is no pain) for trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI reduced pain by a mean of 2.8 mm (95 % confidence interval [CI]: -9.8 to 4.2) or an absolute reduction of 3 % (-10 % to 4 %). Mean physical function (3 studies, 211 participants) was 31.1 points on a 0 to 100 point scale (0 is best physical function, or no disability) with trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in slightly lower function scores (standardized mean difference 0.1, 95 % CI: -0.30 to 0.32), an equivalent to a worsening of 0.2 points (95 % CI: -5.8 to 6.1) on a 0 to 100 point scale (absolute decrease in function 0.03 % (-0.83 % to 0.88 %)). Low quality evidence from 4 studies (328 participants) indicated that the mean number of adverse events was 10 per 100 participants for trapeziectomy alone, and 19 events per 100 participants for trapeziectomy with LRTI (risk ratio [RR] 1.89, 95 % CI: 0.96 to 3.73) or an absolute risk increase of 9 % (95 % CI: 0 % to 28 %). Low quality evidence from 1 study (42 participants) indicated that the mean scapho-metacarpal distance was 2.3 mm for the trapeziectomy alone group, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in a mean of 0.1 mm less distance (95 % CI: -0.81 to 0.61). None of the included trials reported global assessment, quality of life, and revision or re-operation rates. Low-quality evidence from 2 small studies (51 participants) indicated that trapeziectomy with LRTI may not improve function or slow joint degeneration, or produce additional adverse events over trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction. These investigators were uncertain of the benefits or harms of other surgical techniques due to the mostly low quality evidence from single studies and the low reporting rates of key outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with LRTI had additional benefit over arthrodesis or trapeziectomy with IA. There was also insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with IA had any additional benefit over the Artelon joint implant, the Swanson joint replacement or trapeziectomy alone. The authors did not find any studies that compared any other combination of the other techniques mentioned above or any other techniques including a sham procedure. They did not identify any studies that compared surgery to sham surgery; they excluded studies that compared surgery to non-operative treatments. The authors were unable to demonstrate that any technique confers a benefit over another technique in terms of pain and physical function. Furthermore, the included studies were not of high enough quality to provide conclusive evidence that the compared techniques provided equivalent outcomes.

Huang et al (2015) stated that thumb CMC joint total arthroplasty has been undertaken for many years. The proponents believed the short-term outcomes are better than trapeziectomy and its variants, but the longer term complications are often higher. This systematic review of all peer-reviewed articles on thumb CMC joint total arthroplasty for osteoarthritis showed that there are reports of many implants. Some are no longer available. The reported outcomes are very variable: for some there are good long-term outcomes to beyond 10 years; for others there are unacceptably high early rates of failure. Overall, the published evidence does not show that total arthroplasty is better than trapeziectomy and its variants yet there is a higher complication rate and significant extra cost of using an implant. The authors concluded that future research needs to compare total arthroplasty with trapeziectomy to assess short-term results where the arthroplasties may be better, as well as the long-term outcomes and the healthcare and personal costs so that surgeons and patients can make fully informed choices about the treatment of symptomatic thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis.

Papalia et al (2015) performed an online search using Medline, Cochrane and Google scholar online databases, searching for studies on small joints replacement in hand surgery. Good functional and clinical outcomes can be achieved with silicone and pyrolitic carbon implants, either for TMC and MCP joints. In particular, the silicone spacer seems to be very effective for TMC osteoarthrosis, while the pyrolitic carbon total joint prosthesis produces excellent outcomes if used for MCP replacement. Major complications, such as persistent pain and implant loosening, have still a variable rate of occurrence. Heterogeneity in the methodology of the assessments in the studies reviewed and the implants and techniques involved made it difficult to carry out a complete and effective comparative analysis of the data collected. Larger cohorts treated with the same implant should be investigated in better designed trials, to draw more clinically relevant conclusions from the evidences presented. Better methodology is also a goal to achieve, since the average Coleman Methodology Score measured for the articles included was 54.9 out of 100. The authors concluded that more and better designed studies are needed to produce clear guidelines to define the better implant in terms of clinical outcomes, function and complications for TMC and MCP joints.

Semere and associates (2015) stated that the Roseland hydroxyapatite-coated (HAC) prosthesis is a total TMC joint prosthesis used for the surgical treatment of thumb basal joint arthritis. In a retrospective study, these researchers evaluated the long-term outcomes of the Roseland HAC prosthesis.  A total of 51 patients (64 thumbs) underwent TMC joint replacement with this prosthesis.  The mean follow-up was 12.5 years.  Survival rate of the prosthesis was 91 %.  There was either no pain or only occasional pain in 91 % of cases.  The mean QuickDASH score was 27.6.  Abnormal radiographic findings were present in 70 % of cases.  Since they were often asymptomatic, no further treatment was carried out.  Complications were common (25 %) and occurred early on but could often be treated without surgery.  The authors concluded that the long-term results with the Roseland HAC prosthesis were satisfactory in terms of pain relief and function.  However, the high complication rate was a major concern.

In a retrospective study, Zschock-Holle et al (2015) evaluated the clinical and radiological results after treatment of the first CMC joint by trapezium resection and implantation of a Swanson silicone prosthesis. The results of 100 trapezium resections in 72 patients with subsequent joint replacement by a Swanson silicone prosthesis have been followed-up over 8.6 years on average.  Besides the ROM, the strength in grip, tip pinch and key pinch were measured.  The quality of pain was determined using a VAS from 1 to 10.  The post-operative subjective satisfaction of patients was recorded as well as the DASH, Mayo, modified Wrist and Krimmer scores.  In follow-up X-ray controls, subluxations of the silicone implants as well as bony abnormalities were evaluated.  The post-operative ROM of the TMC joint in radial abduction was measured with 52° and at palmar abduction with 39°.  The average grip strength amounted to 16.5 kg.  This represented 80 % of the value of the contralateral side.  In tip pinch the force value was 3.3 kg, corresponding to 70 % of that of the opposite side and in key pinch, it was 3.5 kg, corresponding to 71 % of the healthy contralateral side.  The DASH score was recorded with 22.5 points.  Post-operative pain symptoms on the VAS were recorded at 2.4 points. The majority of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied after the surgical treatment. In X-ray controls, subluxations of the silicone implants could be detected in 54 cases (61.4%) as well as bony abnormalities in 41 cases (46.6 %).  However, there was no correlation between the radiological findings and patient satisfaction.  The authors concluded that trapezium resection and joint replacement with a silicone prosthesis achieved good results.  However, the high number of radiographic subluxations of the prosthesis and bone abnormalities as a cause of foreign body reactions limited these results.  These investigators noted that despite the good clinical findings, this method will not be used any more in their patient population.

Thillemann and colleagues (2016) retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 42 Motec thumb CMC total joint arthroplasties. The primary end-point was revision with implant removal and trapeziectomy.  At follow-up the DASH score, pain on numerical rating scale at rest and with activity and serum chrome and cobalt concentrations were assessed for both unrevised and revised patients.  At a mean follow-up of 26 months, 17 patients had been revised.  The 2-year cumulative revision rate was 42 % (95 % CI: 28 to 60 %).  The DASH score and pain scores at rest and with activity were comparable between the patients whose thumbs remained unrevised and those revised.  Patients with elevated serum chrome and cobalt levels had significantly higher DASH and pain scores, but elevated levels were not associated with revision.  The authors concluded that the revision rate in this study was unacceptably high.  However, pain and DASH scores after revision were acceptable and comparable with patients with non-revised implants.

Mattila and Waris (2016) noted that the bioabsorbable poly-L-D-lactide joint scaffold arthroplasty is a recent attempt in the reconstruction of small joints in rheumatoid patients. These researchers analyzed the 1-year clinical, functional and radiologic results of partial trapeziectomy with the poly-L-D-lactide (96/4) joint scaffold in 23 patients with isolated TMC osteoarthritis.  The results showed that the procedure provided pain relief and improvement in overall function according to the QuickDASH score in most patients.  However, radiographs demonstrated a high frequency of osteolysis around the implant; 7 patients developed clinically manifested foreign-body reactions 6 months to 1 year after surgery.  The reason for the unexpected tissue reactions may relate to excessive mechanical cyclic loading of the implant.  The authors concluded that the outcomes of this implant in their patients have not been sufficiently beneficial and they have discontinued use of this implant in isolated TMC osteoarthritis.

van Aaken et al (2016) stated that the PI2 spacer is designed for treatment of TMC osteoarthritis. However, the shape of this implant has raised concerns about its stability.  These investigators retrospectively investigated 45 implants in 41 patients (treated for TMC osteoarthritis between 2004 and 2009) who underwent trapeziectomy and insertion of a PI2 spacer.  Outcome parameters included revision rates and clinical outcomes correlated with implant position and scapho-metacarpal distance, assessed using standard radiographs.  A total of 12 implants (27 %) were removed at a median time of 10 months (interquartile range (IQR), 7 to 22).  These included 5 dislocations, 1 early infection, 6 patients underwent revision due to persistent pain, and 3 of these had scapho-trapezoid osteoarthritis, 2 had developed subluxation of the implant, and 1 did not show any radiographic abnormalities.  A review of patient records revealed that 33 implants remained in place at a median time of 29 months (IQR, 20 to 57).  However, of those, only 21 implants (64 %) in 17 patients were available for clinical evaluation at a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR, 19 to 62).  No significant differences in clinical outcomes including functional results were observed between in-place (n = 8) and subluxated (n = 13) implants.  The authors concluded that due to the high revision rate (12/45), consistent with other reports in the literature, they have abandoned the use of the PI2 spacer,; and have recommended the establishment of a registry for evaluation of future implants.

Kollig and colleagues (2016) stated that the role of joint replacement in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint is a subject of considerable controversy in the current literature.  In German-speaking countries this technique is used much less frequently than resection procedures.  Aseptic loosening of the prosthesis is believed to be the major cause of the high failure rates reported for cemented and un-cemented types of implants.  In this study the different implant designs were evaluated on the basis of the results reported in the international literature.  There were only a few studies that cover relatively long follow-up periods and provided convincing results for thumb CMC joint prostheses in terms of implant survival and function.  Aseptic loosening was reported to be the major cause with failure rates of 50 % or more.  Although a Norwegian study reported high 5-year and 10-year survival rates for various thumb CMC joint prostheses according to the Norwegian arthroplasty registry, it did not recommend the widespread use of thumb CMC joint replacement at the present time.  The authors concluded that joint replacement may be considered as a possible therapeutic option for advanced osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint, however, it should not always be recommended because long-term results are inconsistent and similar functional outcomes have been reported for alternative surgical techniques, such as resection arthroplasty.

Kollig and associates (2017) noted that thumb CMC joint replacement is associated with high rates of loosening and failure.  These researchers presented their findings for an un-cemented ceramic-ceramic total joint prosthesis with a reverse ball-and-socket design and bioactive coating.  Between 2008 and 2012, a total of 29 prostheses were inserted into 28 patients (mean age of 63 years) with advanced osteoarthritis.  After a mean period of 33 months (range of 9 to 62), 26 patients (27 implants) were available for follow-up.  Six months post-operatively, 50 % of the patients had radiological evidence of early loosening; 15 implants had been removed in 14 patients for aseptic loosening (n = 13) or trapezium fracture (n = 2).  The 12 patients whose prosthesis was still in place had a mean VAS pain score of 1.9 (range of 0 to 6) and a mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 23 (range of 0 to 73.3); 11 patients were satisfied with the procedure.  The rate of early aseptic failure was unacceptably high.  Level of evidence = IV.

In a retrospective, single-center study, Toffoli and Teissier (2017) evaluated the mid-term clinical and radiological results of the MAÏA TMC prosthesis.  This study involved 80 patients who underwent 96 MAÏA TMC prosthesis implantations from February 2006 to April 2009, and who had a minimum of 5 years' follow-up.  Indications for the procedure were painful TMC joint osteoarthritis affecting activities of daily living (ADL) and a failure of at least 6 months of non-surgical treatment.  Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiographic data were reviewed.  The mean age at surgery was 68 years (range of 53 to 84 years) and the median follow-up was 76 months (range of 60 to 102 months).  The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 61.3 ± 17.1 to 17.5 ± 16.  The mobility of the thumb was restored to a ROM comparable with that of the contralateral thumb.  Opposition, defined by the Kapandji score, was almost normal (9.2 of 10; range of 6 to 10), as was the final mean key pinch and grip strength, which improved by 26 % and 43 %, respectively.  Among the 96 implants, 4 (4.2 %) were surgically revised for trapezium loosening; 1 dislocation was treated with closed reduction; 3 (3.1 %) post-traumatic trapezium fractures were immobilized for 8 weeks.  Among the 26 pre-operative reducible z-deformities, only 5 (19.2 %) were not totally corrected after surgery.  The procedure success, by survival analysis over 6 years, was 93 % (95 % CI: 87 to 98).  The authors concluded that MAÏA TMC total joint arthroplasty may be a reliable therapeutic option for TMC joint osteoarthritis, with very good results for pain relief, strength, mobility, and restoration of the thumb length, providing correction of most thumb z-deformities.  This study provided mid-term follow-up; and the level of evidence was IV.

Robles-Molina and co-workers (2017) stated that numerous surgical procedures have been described to treat TMC osteoarthritis, but no approach is currently considered superior.  Good long-term outcomes have been reported with multiple procedures.  No studies have been published comparing outcomes of the Arpe joint replacement (Biomet, Valence, France) with those of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) using the Burton-Pellegrini technique.  In a retrospective, follow-up study, these researchers compared clinical outcomes between these techniques.  A total of 65 patients with Eaton stage III osteoarthritis of the thumb were included in this study.  Patients were assigned to LRTI (LRTI group) or total joint replacement (Arpe group) and were followed for a mean of 4.8 years.  The LRTI group included 34 patients and the Arpe group included 31.  Clinical outcome variables were determined pre-operatively and every 6 months post-operatively.  Pain relief and functional improvement were similar between groups.  Pinch strength and ROM were superior in the Arpe group.  Metacarpophalangeal hyper-extension appeared to be prevented in the Arpe group but increased over the follow-up period in the LRTI group.  However, the complication rate was higher in the Arpe group.  The authors concluded that arthroplasty with the Arpe prosthesis can be considered in selected patients who require greater strength and ROM, although it has been associated with a higher complications rate.  Moreover, they stated that prospective, multi-center studies with a longer follow-up are needed to ascertain the advantages of “ball and socket” prosthesis over trapeziectomy.

Drawbacks of this study included the retrospective design, the small sample size (n = 31 in the Arpe joint replacement group), the short follow-up period (mean of 4.8 years), and the absence of randomization (patients were allocated according to their preference), which implied a possible selection bias.

Smeraglia and colleagues (2018) noted that trapeziometacarpal arthritis is a common and disabling condition. There is no evidence in the literature of superiority of one surgical procedure over others.  Several prosthetic implants have been introduced to preserve joint mobility.  In a systematic review, these investigators searched Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases using the combined keywords “artelon”, “thumb”, “carpometacarpal”, “trapeziometacarpal” and “rhizoarthrosis”; 11 studies were identified.  The authors stated that the use of Artelon implant is not recommended because of its high revision rate and worse outcomes compared to conventional techniques.  They also noted that inert materials subjected to compressive and shearing forces could produce debris and subsequent inflammatory response.  There is debate in the published scientific literature regarding the role of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis and post-surgery inflammatory response.  These researchers stated that standard techniques (e.g., trapeziectomy alone or combined with interposition or suspensionplasty) offer effective treatment for thumb basal joint arthritis.  They also noted that several prosthetic implants showed promising results in terms of pain relief and functional request, but there is a need of long-term RCTs to demonstrate their equivalence, and eventually superiority, compared to standard techniques.

Mattila and associates (2018) stated that the poly-L/D-lactide joint scaffold (RegJoin) has recently been associated with adverse tissue reactions and osteolysis after partial trapeziectomy for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis; 22 of 23 patients previously operated on with this scaffold were re-examined at a mean follow-up of 3.3 years (range of 36 to 53 months).  Overall, the results showed an unacceptably high rate of adverse tissue reactions related to the degradation process of the implant, resulting in a revision procedure in 3 patients.  At final follow-up, at which point the implant had completely degraded, there were no signs of ongoing adverse tissue reactions.  The authors concluded that there was a significant decrease in pain, increase in strength and subjective improvement in function at final follow-up compared with the pre-operative results in patients who had not undergone revision surgery.  Moreover, they stated that due to the high incidence of adverse tissue reactions, the use of the implant has been discontinued in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Table: CPT Codes / HCPCS Codes / ICD-10 Codes
Code Code Description

Information in the [brackets] below has been added for clarification purposes.   Codes requiring a 7th character are represented by "+"Epiphora due to excess lacrimation:

CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met:
26531 Arthroplasty, metacarpophalangeal joint; with prosthetic implant
26536 Arthroplasty, interphalangeal joint; with prosthetic implant [covered for proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (see criteria) [not covered for distal interphalangeal (DIP)]

HCPCS codes covered if selection criteria are met:
L8630 Metacarpophalangeal joint implant
L8631 Metacarpal phalangeal joint replacement, two or more pieces, metal (e.g. stainless steel or cobalt chrome), ceramic-like material (e.g. pyrocarbon), for surgical implantation (all sizes, including entire system)
L8658 Interphalangeal joint spacer, silicone or equal
L8659 Interphalangeal finger joint replacement, 2 or more pieces, metal (e.g. stainless steel or cobalt chrome), ceramic-like (pyrocarbon) for surgical implantation, any size

ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met [covered for metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, not distal interphalangeal joint (DIP)]:
M05.00 - M08.99 Rheumatoid arthritis
M12.541 - M12.549 Traumatic arthropathy, hand
M15.1 - M15.2, M18.0 - M18.12, M18.2, M18.30 - M18.31, M18.50 - M18.52, M18.9, M19.041 - M19.049, M19.141 - M19.149, M19.241 - M19.249 Osteoarthritis and allied disorders, hand
M32.0 - M32.9 Systemic lupus erythematosus

Resurfacing Arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint:

ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB (not all inclusive):
M05.6 - M08.99 Rheumatoid arthritis
M15.1 - M15.2, M18.0 - M18.9
M19.041 - M19.049, M19.141 - M19.149
M19.241 - M19.249		 Osteoarthritis and allied disorders, hand

Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint/trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint implants:

HCPCS codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB:
C1776 Joint device (implantable) [carpometacarpal (CMC) joint/trapeziometacarpal (TMC)]

ICD-10 codes not covered for indications listed in the CPB:
M05.00 - M08.99 Rheumatoid arthritis
M12.541 - M12.549 Traumatic arthropathy, hand
M15.1 - M15.2, M18.0 - M18.12 M18.2, M18.30 - M18.31, M18.50 - M18.52, M18.9, M19.041 - M19.049, M19.141 - M19.149, M19.241 9.249 Osteoarthritis and allied disorders, hand
M32.0 - M32.9 Systemic lupus erythematosus

The above policy is based on the following references:

  1. Swanson AB, de Groot Swanson G. Implant arthroplasty for metacarpal and interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 1983;12(2):285-299.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Avanta Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Finger Prosthesis. Summary of Safety and Probable Benefit Data. Humanitarian Device Exemption No. H010001. Rockville, MD: FDA; September 28, 1998.
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ascension MCP, Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., Austin, TX. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data. PMA No. P000057. Rockville, MD: FDA; November 19, 2001.
  4. Johnstone BR. Proximal interphalangeal joint surface replacement arthroplasty. Hand Surg. 2001;6(1):1-11.
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Avanta Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) Joint Implant Finger Prosthesis. Summary of Safety and Probable Benefit Data. Humanitarian Device Exemption No. H010001. Rockville, MD: FDA; August 28, 2001.
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Ascension PIP. Summary of Safety and Probable Benefit Data. Humanitarian Device Exemption No. H010005. Rockville, MD: FDA; March 22, 2002.
  7. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Pyrocarbon finger joint implant. Toronto. ON: Medical Advisory Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; 2004.
  8. Takigawa S, Meletiou S, Sauerbier M, Cooney WP. Long-term assessment of Swanson implant arthroplasty in the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand. J Hand Surg. 2004;29(5):785-795.
  9. Trail IA, Martin JA, Nuttall D, Stanley JK. Seventeen-year survivorship analysis of silastic metacarpophalangeal joint replacement . J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004;86(7):1002-1006.
  10. Schulz M, Müller-Zimmermann A, Behrend M, Krimmer H. Early results of proximal interphalangeal joint replacement with pyrolytic carbon prosthesis (Ascension) in idiopathic and post-traumatic arthritis. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2005;37(1):26-34.
  11. Stutz N, Meier R, Krimmer H. Pyrocarbon prosthesis for finger interphalangeal joint replacement. Experience after one year. Unfallchirurg. 2005;108(5):365-369.
  12. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Artificial metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint replacement for end-stage arthritis. Interventional Procedure Guidance 110. London, UK: NICE; 2005.
  13. Möller K, Sollerman C, Geijer M, et al. Avanta versus Swanson silicone implants in the MCP joint--a prospective, randomized comparison of 30 patients followed for 2 years. J Hand Surg. 2005;30(1):8-13.
  14. Herren DB, Schindele S, Goldhahn J, Simmen BR. Problematic bone fixation with pyrocarbon implants in proximal interphalangeal joint replacement: Short-term results. J Hand Surg. 2006;31(6):643-651.
  15. Nunley RM, Boyer MI, Goldfarb CA. Pyrolytic carbon arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. J Hand Surg. 200631(9):1468-1474.
  16. Hilker A, Miehlke RK, Schmidt K. Prosthetics of metacarpophalangeal joints. Z Rheumatol. 2007;66(5):366-375.
  17. Bravo CJ, Rizzo M, Hormel KB, Beckenbaugh RD. Pyrolytic carbon proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty: results with minimum two-year follow-up evaluation. J Hand Surg. 2007;32(1):1-11.
  18. Meier R, Schulz M, Krimmer H, et al. Proximal interphalangeal joint replacement with pyrolytic carbon prostheses. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2007;19(1):1-15.
  19. Branam BR, Tuttle HG, Stern PJ, Levin L. Resurfacing arthroplasty versus silicone arthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis. J Hand Surg. 2007;32(6):775-788.
  20. Garcia-Moral CA. Interphalangeal joint arthritis. eMedicine. Orthopedic Surgery. Hand and Upper Extremity. January 16, 2009. 
  21. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k). Ascension silicone PIP. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness. 510(k) No. K082231. Rockville, MD: FDA. January 12, 2009.
  22. Rehart S, Kerschbaumer F. Endoprostheses of the hand. Orthopade. 2003;32(9):779-783.
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