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Substituição da Articulação MCP

Um plano de recuperação liderado pela terapia da mão após a substituição da articulação dos nós dos dedos com silicone (Swanson), centrado em uma tala de extensão dinâmica que mantém os nós dos dedos retos e ligeiramente em direção radial enquanto você os dobra precocemente — remodelando as articulações em uma posição corrigida e revertendo o desvio ulnar.

Ilustração das articulações metacarpofalângicas (MCP) com os dedos desviando para o lado do dedo mínimo, corrigida por substituição articular.
As articulações interfalângicas (MCP) desgastadas e deformadas são substituídas por espaçadores flexíveis para restaurar uma linha mais natural e um movimento funcional. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página foi traduzida automaticamente e ainda não foi verificada por um médico. A versão em inglês é a versão oficial.

Este protocolo orienta a sua recuperação após a substituição das articulações dos nós dos dedos (articulações metacarpofalângicas ou "MCP") com próteses de silicone (Swanson) pelo Dr. Kieran Hirpara no Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton. Começa com o seu programa de exercícios em casa, seguido pelo protocolo clínico estruturado escrito para o seu terapeuta da mão: traga esta página ou o seu PDF para a sua primeira sessão de terapia, para que a sua reabilitação seja coordenada. O seu terapeuta da mão pode ajustar o plano, dependendo da evolução da sua recuperação.

Esta é uma recuperação intensiva em terapia da mão, orientada pelo uso de talas. A tala dinâmica e os seus exercícios diários não são complementos opcionais: são o meio pelo qual as novas articulações são moldadas numa posição corrigida e reta. O seu resultado depende fortemente da adesão fiel ao uso da tala e à realização dos movimentos.

Se tiver alguma preocupação sobre a sua ferida após a cirurgia, entre em contacto com a clínica. É frequentemente útil tirar uma fotografia da ferida e enviá-la por e-mail para avaliação.

O que esperar

As articulações das falanges podem desgastar-se, tornar-se dolorosas e deformar-se gravemente, mais frequentemente na artrite reumatoide, em que os dedos se desviam para o lado do dedo mínimo (desvio ulnar) e as bases dos dedos deslizam em direção à palma (subluxação volar); também podem desgastar-se devido à osteoartrite. Nesta operação, a articulação das falanges desgastada é removida e substituída por um espaçador de silicone flexível (o implante Swanson clássico). Os objetivos são aliviar a dor, corrigir o desvio e as falanges caídas (lag extensor), e restaurar um arco útil de flexão.

O implante não é uma articulação rígida. Funciona como um espaçador flexível enquanto se forma um novo revestimento (uma "cápsula") à sua volta nas primeiras semanas, e o objetivo principal da reabilitação é fazer com que essa cápsula se forme com os dedos mantidos retos e corrigidos, e não desviados. É por isso que a tala e o movimento precoce são tão importantes.

A recuperação, portanto, baseia-se numa talas dinâmica de extensão com outrigger, geralmente colocada nos primeiros dias:

  • Em repouso, a tala mantém as falanges retas e puxadas suavemente em direção ao lado do polegar (desvio radial), opondo-se diretamente ao antigo desvio ulnar.
  • Dentro da tala, realiza-se uma flexão ativa controlada e precoce das falanges contra elásticos suaves, que fazem os dedos voltar a ficar retos. Mover-se precocemente (mas apenas nesta posição protegida e corrigida) molda corretamente a nova cápsula e mantém as articulações sem rigidez.

Usa a tala dinâmica quase continuamente durante cerca de seis semanas, depois reduz gradualmente para uma tala de repouso/noturna, com fortalecimento progressivo adicionado mais tarde. A função leve da mão retorna nas primeiras semanas; a maioria das pessoas regressa à maioria das atividades diárias por volta dos três meses, com o resultado final a continuar a estabilizar ao longo de vários meses adicionais.

Precauções e limitações

  • Use a órtese dinâmica de extensão conforme prescrito: dia e noite durante as primeiras seis semanas aproximadamente. Ela mantém a correção; removê-la com frequência permite que o desvio retorne.
  • NÃO permita que os dedos desviem em direção ao lado do dedo mínimo. Cada exercício os guia na direção oposta, em direção ao polegar.
  • NÃO realize preensão forte, pinçamento ou levantamento de peso pesado no início: a preensão vigorosa empurra os dedos para o desvio ulnar e sobrecarrega as novas articulações antes que estejam estáveis. O fortalecimento só deve ser iniciado após liberação do terapeuta da mão.
  • Mantenha o polegar, o punho e as pontas dos dedos em movimento desde o início, e utilize a mão para tarefas leves do dia a dia dentro dos limites do conforto.
  • Observe a ferida em busca de sinais de infecção (vermelhidão crescente, calor, inchaço ou secreção) e entre em contato com a clínica se houver preocupação; a infecção ao redor de um implante é incomum, mas é importante identificá-la precocemente.

Para o manejo da ferida, do edema e da cicatriz, consulte as diretrizes de cuidados com a ferida da clínica.

Seus exercícios

Estes são os exercícios do seu material. Inicie-os apenas conforme orientado pelo Dr. Hirpara e pelo seu terapeuta da mão, mantendo-se dentro da amplitude e dos limites que lhe foram prescritos. Os exercícios iniciais são realizados todos com a talha dinâmica em uso: flexão controlada contra as elásticas, extensão ativa e caminhamento suave dos dedos em direção ao polegar para manter a correção. O cuidado com a cicatriz começa após a cicatrização das feridas, e o fortalecimento do punho pertence a uma fase posterior e não deve ser iniciado até que você receba liberação específica. Interrompa qualquer atividade que cause dor aguda nas articulações metacarpofalângicas.

Seu protocolo clínico

O restante desta página é o protocolo clínico em fases para reabilitação após artroplastia da articulação metacarpofalângica (MCP) com prótese de silicone (Swanson). Esta seção deve ser fornecida ao seu terapeuta da mão, e cada fase inicia-se com uma explicação em linguagem clara do que está ocorrendo. O princípio definidor é que a nova cápsula da MCP se remodela ao redor do implante na posição em que você a mantém, de modo que a tala e os exercícios mantêm as articulações em extensão com leve desvio radial, permitindo flexão ativa precoce controlada, remodelando as articulações em uma posição corrigida e revertendo o desvio ulnar.

Antes do tratamento, verifique o relatório cirúrgico do paciente e seu histórico médico, e entre em contato com o cirurgião assistente quanto ao diagnóstico (artrite reumatoide versus osteoartrite), à reconstrução dos tecidos moles realizada (reforço do ligamento colateral radial, liberação dos intrínsecos ulnares, centralização do extensor / transferência cruzada dos intrínsecos) e à correção e amplitude de movimento obtidas intraoperatoriamente. A mão com artrite reumatoide tende a desviar e recidivar com mais facilidade do que a mão com osteoartrite, exigindo particularmente um uso diligente de talas em desvio radial. O protocolo abaixo assume o regime padrão de extensão dinâmica com contrapeso.

Fase I — órtese de extensão dinâmica com movimento controlado precoce (semanas 0 a ~6)

As primeiras seis semanas são a janela decisiva: a cápsula forma-se ao redor do implante neste período, e a órtese dinâmica determina a posição em que ela se forma. Ajuste uma órtese dinâmica de outrigger de extensão da MCP baseada no antebraço, geralmente dentro dos primeiros 3-5 dias. Em repouso, mantém as MCPs em extensão completa com as falanges proximais puxadas para ligeira desvio radial (corrigindo o antigo desvio ulnar); as alças do outrigger assentam nas falanges proximais e a tensão elástica permite a flexão ativa controlada, retornando depois os dedos à extensão. O paciente realiza flexão ativa controlada das MCPs dentro da órtese a cada hora de vigília. O punho e as articulações IP permanecem livres.

Para o seu terapeuta da mão:

Educação e precauções - Ajuste e tensionar a órtese de outrigger de extensão dinâmica: MCPs mantidas em extensão + ligeiro desvio radial, alças nas falanges proximais, tração radial para contrariar o desvio ulnar - Usada continuamente (dia e noite) por ~6 semanas, removida apenas para higiene e exercícios supervisionados - Sem força de preensão, pinça ou carga lateral (direcionada ulnarmente): estas recriam as forças deformantes - Proteja qualquer reconstrução de tecidos moles (colateral radial / equilíbrio intrínseco): evite tensão de desvio ulnar forçado em qualquer momento - Mantenha o polegar, o punho e as articulações IP móveis; uso leve da mão sem carga apenas

Gestão - Ferida: curativos cirúrgicos conforme orientado; monitorizar infeção (implante presente) - Edema: elevação, massagem retrograde suave, compressão leve conforme tolerado - Exercícios: flexão ativa controlada das MCPs dentro da órtese contra as alças, visando desenvolver um arco de flexão útil (alcançar o arco intra-operatório do cirurgião, comumente até ~70 graus nas MCPs do indicador ao mindinho) com retorno passivo completo à extensão via outrigger; extensão ativa das MCPs (corrigir lag extensor); reeducação do desvio radial (guiar os dedos em direção ao polegar); amplitude de movimento livre das IP e do punho

Critérios para progressão - Ferida cicatrizada; edema em resolução; arco de flexão ativa emergente com manutenção da extensão e alinhamento corrigido (radial) por volta das seis semanas

Fase II — desmame do talco e consolidação da correção (semanas ~6 a ~12)

A partir de aproximadamente seis semanas, a cápsula está em maturação e o talco dinâmico é desmameado para um talco de repouso / extensão noturna (frequentemente mantido até ~12 semanas, e à noite por mais tempo em mãos reumatóides propensas à recorrência). O movimento ativo fora do talco é progressivo, sempre com tendência para a extensão e alinhamento radial. O uso funcional leve é expandido; a preensão forte e a pinça permanecem contraindicadas.

Para o seu terapeuta da mão:

Avaliações - Arco de flexão/extensão MCP ativo e passivo; lag extensor; desvio ulnar (comparar com a correção intra-operatória); dor e edema; revisão da ferida/cicatriz

Educação e precauções - Desmamar o talco dinâmico; continuar um talco de extensão noturna / de repouso até ~12 semanas (mais tempo à noite em pacientes reumatóides) - Continuar a evitar preensão/pinça forte e qualquer carga desviadora para ulnar - Preservar vigilante a correção radial; a recorrência do desvio é a principal falha tardia

Conduta - Exercícios: progressão da flexão/extensão MCP ativa e ativa-assistida suave fora do talco; trabalho contínuo de lag extensor e reeducação do desvio radial; iniciar manejo da cicatriz uma vez cicatrizada; tarefas funcionais leves dentro do conforto, mantidas fora dos padrões desviadores para ulnar

Critérios para progressão - Correção estável (mínimo desvio ulnar recorrente, lag extensor aceitável) em uma cápsula em maturação; arco funcional confortável; dor em resolução

Fase III — fortalecimento e retorno (semanas ~12 e além)

Uma vez que a cápsula esteja robusta e o alinhamento esteja estável (por volta das doze semanas), o fortalecimento gradual é introduzido, de forma tardia e cautelosa, porque a força de preensão direciona o desvio ulnar. A força e o resultado funcional final continuam a melhorar ao longo de vários meses.

Para o seu terapeuta da mão:

Avaliações - Força de preensão/pinça em comparação com o lado contralateral e com o pré-operatório; arco de movimento mantido, extensão e alinhamento sob carga; testes funcionais e específicos para tarefas

Educação e precauções - Iniciar força de preensão/fortalecimento gradual apenas a partir das 8-12 semanas, aumentando a carga gradualmente - Orientar padrões de preensão que não causem desvio ulnar; uso contínuo de talas noturnas conforme indicado, especialmente em mãos com artrite reumatoide - Estabelecer expectativas realistas: o objetivo é alívio da dor, uma posição corrigida e um arco funcional, em vez de uma mão normal ou potente

Conduta - Exercícios: preensão e pinça progressivas com massa de modelar/bola, controle isométrico das MCP, fortalecimento funcional; continuar a mobilidade e qualquer trabalho residual para lag extensor/alinhamento - Considerar a alta quando a correção estiver estável, um arco útil for alcançado e o paciente gerir as atividades diárias; fornecer um plano de talas noturnas a longo prazo e proteção articular - Encaminhar de volta ao médico assistente se o alinhamento se deteriorar, o arco for perdido ou se houver suspeita de problemas com o implante

Critérios para alta - Alinhamento corrigido e estável, arco funcional e sem dor, força de preensão funcional adequada, rotina sólida de proteção articular e uso de talas noturnas

Retorno ao trabalho e às atividades

O uso leve das mãos nas atividades diárias (comer, escrever, cuidados pessoais leves) é incentivado desde o início, dentro dos limites do conforto, desde que se evitem preensão forte, pinçamento e qualquer tensão lateral (ulnar) nos dedos. Planeie que a tala dinâmica seja usada quase o tempo todo durante as primeiras seis semanas, o que limita tarefas que exigem o uso das duas mãos e tarefas pesadas; organize ajuda conforme necessário. A condução pode ser retomada quando conseguir controlar o veículo com segurança e estiver sem a tala dinâmica para conduzir (tipicamente por volta das seis semanas), conforme confirmado na sua consulta de acompanhamento.

Os exercícios de fortalecimento e o uso mais intenso das mãos só devem ser iniciados por volta das doze semanas, sendo progressivamente intensificados sob orientação do seu terapeuta da mão. A maioria das pessoas retoma a maioria das atividades do dia a dia por volta dos três meses, continuando o resultado final (conforto, alinhamento e um arco de movimento funcional) a estabilizar-se ao longo de vários meses. A progressão é avaliada pelo Dr. Hirpara e pelo seu terapeuta da mão com base na correção e no funcionamento da sua mão, e não apenas pelo calendário. O trabalho manual mais pesado ou repetitivo segue a mesma progressão baseada em critérios, com aconselhamento para proteção articular, a fim de manter a correção a longo prazo.

Após o seu protocolo

Este protocolo complementa as orientações gerais de recuperação da clínica: consulte o controlo da dor pós-operatória, os cuidados com a ferida e a gestão da cicatriz. O plano por fases acima descrito reflete o regime de reabilitação Swanson de longa data após artroplastia da articulação metacarpofalângica (MCP) com implante de silicone, e a sua recuperação contínua é orientada individualmente pelo Dr. Hirpara e pelo seu terapeuta da mão, de acordo com a correção e a evolução da sua mão.


Evidence & references

Silicone (Swanson) MCP Joint Arthroplasty — Procedure Outcomes & Post-operative Rehabilitation

Topic scope: post-operative rehabilitation after silicone (Swanson) replacement of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints — flexible silicone-elastomer spacer arthroplasty of the knuckle joints, most often for the rheumatoid hand with ulnar drift and volar subluxation, and less commonly for MCP osteoarthritis. This is a resection-replacement with soft-tissue rebalancing, not a simple decompression: the deforming forces that destroyed the joint (ulnar drift, extensor subluxation, intrinsic tightness) are still present, so the rehabilitation is an active, splint-driven re-shaping programme, not a rest-and-protect pathway.

Defining principle of the rehab here: a silicone MCP implant is a flexible spacer around which a new fibrous capsule ("encapsulation") forms over the first weeks — and that capsule remodels in whatever position the hand is held. The classic post-operative regime therefore uses a dynamic extension outrigger splint that holds the MCPs in extension with slight radial deviation (opposing the ulnar drift) while permitting early controlled active flexion against elastic loops. Move early, but only in the corrected position: this is what reverses the drift and builds a functional flexion arc. The single biggest branch point is the diagnosis — the rheumatoid hand drifts and recurs far more readily than the osteoarthritic hand and warrants more diligent, more prolonged radial-deviation splinting.


A. PROCEDURE OUTCOMES (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)

Silicone MCP arthroplasty is a deformity-correcting, pain-relieving operation rather than a motion- or strength-restoring one. Its great strength is reliable correction of alignment and relief of pain; its accepted limitations are a modest final arc, gradual implant fracture over years, and—in rheumatoid hands—a tendency to recurrent drift.

  • In rheumatoid arthritis it produces durable improvement in deformity, appearance and patient-reported function. The multicentre prospective SARA (Silicone Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis) cohort compared 70 surgical with 93 non-surgical RA patients with severe MCP deformity: the surgical group showed significant, sustained gains in the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and in ulnar deviation, extensor lag and arc of motion, maintained at 1 year, at long-term (3-year) follow-up, and out to 7 years, whereas the non-surgical cohort did not improve [Chung 2009; Chung 2012; Chung 2017]. Moderate–strong (prospective comparative cohort; not randomised).
  • Correction of ulnar drift and extensor lag is the headline result; arc and grip gains are modest. Series consistently report large reductions in ulnar deviation and extensor lag with a re-centred, more functional arc (commonly a final arc on the order of ~40–50° centred nearer extension), with grip strength only modestly changed. The operation buys alignment, pain relief and hand appearance/function, not power [Goldfarb & Dovan 2006; Rizzo 2011; Kirschenbaum 1993]. Moderate.
  • For MCP osteoarthritis, long-term results are favourable and durable. A long-term series of silicone MCP arthroplasty for OA reported lasting pain relief and satisfactory function, with better-preserved bone stock and less recurrent deforming force than the rheumatoid hand [Morrell & Weiss 2018]. Moderate.
  • Implant fracture accrues with time but is often clinically silent. Long-term radiographic follow-up shows implant fracture rates rising over the years, yet many fractured implants remain asymptomatic and revision is driven by symptoms/instability rather than radiographic fracture alone [Koenuma 2024; Kirschenbaum 1993]. Moderate.
  • Revision is uncommon but defined, most often for recurrent deformity, implant fracture/instability or infection; revision MCP arthroplasty is feasible but technically demanding with poorer results than primary surgery [Wagner 2019; Carlson Strother 2023]. Moderate.

B. REHABILITATION / THERAPY EVIDENCE

The central rehab questions are (1) which splint regime, and (2) does adding continuous passive motion or particular splint variants change the outcome. The evidence base is dominated by a strong heritage regime (Swanson-style dynamic extension splinting) supported mostly by expert consensus and low-level studies, with the few controlled comparisons failing to show benefit from add-ons. The rehabilitation is nonetheless indispensable — it is integral to the operation, not an optional adjunct.

  • The standard regime is a dynamic extension outrigger splint with early controlled motion. Fitted within the first few days, it holds the MCPs in extension and slight radial deviation at rest and permits active flexion against finger slings, worn essentially continuously for ~6 weeks then weaned to night/rest splinting. The shared aim across published regimes is to encourage MCP flexion and extension without recurrence of flexion contracture or ulnar deviation while the capsule encapsulates the implant in a corrected position [Goldfarb & Dovan 2006; Massy-Westropp Cochrane 2008]. Consensus / heritage — widely practised, low-level evidence.
  • Adding continuous passive motion (CPM) to dynamic splinting does not help. The Cochrane review identified a single small controlled trial (22 participants) comparing dynamic splinting ± CPM and concluded CPM is not effective at increasing motion or strength after MCP arthroplasty (controls actually gained more motion); it rated the evidence "silver level" and called for well-designed RCTs given wide practice variation [Massy-Westropp Cochrane 2008]. Moderate (Cochrane SR of low-certainty primary evidence).
  • A static-splint alternative achieves comparable correction in small studies. A prospective series using alternating static flexion/extension splints (rather than a dynamic outrigger) reported improved total active arc (21.6°→47.2°) and corrected ulnar deviation (30.4°→9.7°), suggesting the position held and active motion matter more than the specific splint mechanism [Burr/Massy-Westropp J Hand Ther 2002]. Weak (small prospective cohort).
  • The specific dynamic-splint protocol has not been shown superior to simpler regimes in controlled comparison. A randomised study found no clear added value of dynamic splinting over a simpler post-operative regime for MCP replacement, reinforcing that the dynamic outrigger is a sound, traditional default rather than a proven optimum [Delaney 2003]. Weak–moderate (small RCT).

Recovery trajectory (expected, evidence-anchored)

Phase Window Splint / position Hand-therapist focus Strength / load Notes
I — Dynamic extension splint + early controlled motion Week 0–~6 Dynamic extension outrigger worn day & night; MCPs in extension + slight radial deviation Controlled active MCP flexion within the splint (toward the surgeon's arc, often up to ~70°); active extension (correct extensor lag); radial-deviation re-education; free IP/wrist; oedema control Light unloaded use only; no grip/pinch, no ulnar load Capsule forms now — position held = position kept. Rheumatoid hands need the most diligent radial pull
II — Wean to night/rest splint, consolidate correction Week ~6–12 Wean dynamic splint → night/resting extension splint (longer at night in RA) Progress active/active-assisted flexion–extension out of splint, biased to extension + radial; scar massage once healed; preserve correction Still no strong grip/pinch; light functional tasks Recurrent ulnar drift is the main late failure — guard alignment
III — Strengthening & return Week ~12+ Night splint as indicated (esp. RA) Graded putty/ball grip and pinch, isometric MCP control, functional/task strengthening Begin grip strengthening ~8–12 wk, build gradually; coach non-ulnar-deviating grip Most everyday activity by ~3 months; alignment/comfort/arc settle over several more months

(Phase windows mirror the patient protocol; they are typical, heritage-based guides — not trial-derived deadlines.)


C. KEY CONTROVERSIES / EVIDENCE QUALITY

  1. Heritage regime, modest evidence. The Swanson-style dynamic extension outrigger with early controlled motion is deeply established and near-universally taught, but its supporting evidence is largely expert consensus and small/low-level studies. The defensible position is to follow the heritage regime faithfully while acknowledging its evidence tier [Goldfarb & Dovan 2006; Massy-Westropp Cochrane 2008]. Consensus.
  2. Which splint? Dynamic outrigger vs alternating static splints vs simpler regimes give broadly similar correction in small studies; CPM adds nothing. What matters is holding the MCPs in extension + radial deviation while moving early — the mechanism of the splint is secondary [Massy-Westropp Cochrane 2008; Burr 2002; Delaney 2003]. Weak–moderate.
  3. Rheumatoid vs osteoarthritis. The rheumatoid hand has ongoing deforming forces (tendon subluxation, intrinsic tightness, soft-tissue laxity) and recurs, demanding more prolonged radial-deviation/night splinting and joint protection; the osteoarthritic hand has better bone and soft tissue and a more durable correction [Morrell & Weiss 2018; Rizzo 2011]. Moderate.
  4. Realistic goals. The operation reliably delivers pain relief, corrected alignment and a functional arc, not a normal or powerful hand. Mis-set expectations (large grip gains) are a common source of dissatisfaction [Chung patient-expectations 2015; SARA cohort]. Moderate.
  5. Implant fracture ≠ failure. Radiographic implant fracture accrues over years but is frequently asymptomatic; revision is symptom-driven. Counsel accordingly rather than revising on imaging alone [Koenuma 2024; Wagner 2019]. Moderate.

D. EVIDENCE STRENGTH FLAGS (summary)

  • MODERATE–STRONG: silicone MCP arthroplasty improves deformity, alignment (ulnar deviation, extensor lag), MHQ and arc versus non-surgical care in severe rheumatoid MCP disease, durable to 7 years (SARA prospective cohort — comparative, not randomised).
  • MODERATE: correction-over-power outcome profile; favourable long-term OA results; time-related implant fracture (often asymptomatic); defined but uncommon revision rate; greater recurrence in rheumatoid than osteoarthritic hands.
  • WEAK / CONSENSUS / HERITAGE: the specific dynamic-extension-outrigger + early-controlled- flexion + radial-deviation rehabilitation programme (strong heritage, low-level evidence; CPM shown unhelpful; dynamic vs static vs simpler regimes not clearly differentiated); exact phase timings (typical, not trial-derived).

CITATIONS

RAG corpus (180,000+ Orthopaedic articles)

  • Kirschenbaum D, Schneider LH, Adams DC, et al. Arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints with use of silicone-rubber implants in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term results. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993;75(1):3-12. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-199301000-00002
  • Goldfarb CA, Dovan TT. Rheumatoid arthritis: silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty indications, technique, and outcomes. Hand Clin. 2006;22(2):177-188. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2006.02.001
  • Rizzo M. Metacarpophalangeal joint arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2011;36(2):345-353. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.11.035
  • Morrell NT, Weiss AC. Silicone metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: long-term results. J Hand Surg Am. 2018;43(3):229-233. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.010
  • Koenuma N, Ikari K, Oh K, et al. Long-term implant fracture rates following silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.01.009
  • Wagner ER, Houdek MT, Packard B, et al. Revision metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty: a longitudinal study of 128 cases. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019. DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00042
  • Carlson Strother CR, Moran SL, Rizzo M. Small joint arthroplasty of the hand: an update on indications, outcomes, and complications. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2023;31(15):e739-e749. DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00034
  • Blazar PE, Gancarczyk SM, Simmons BP. Rheumatoid hand and wrist surgery: soft tissue principles and management of digital pathology. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019;27(21):e924-e933. DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00608
  • Naniwa S, Nishida K, Nasu Y, et al. A comparative study of short-term outcomes between INTEGRA and AVANTA silicone implants for metacarpophalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.04.003

MCP arthroplasty outcomes & rehabilitation literature (URLs)

  • Chung KC, Burns PB, Wilgis EFS, et al. A multicenter clinical trial in rheumatoid arthritis comparing silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty with medical treatment. J Hand Surg Am. 2009;34(5):815-823. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.018 — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4381953/
  • Chung KC, Burns PB, Kim HM, et al. Long-term followup for rheumatoid arthritis patients in a multicenter outcomes study of silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(9):1292-1300. DOI: 10.1002/acr.21705 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22511483/
  • Burns PB, Zhong L, Chung KC. Seven-year outcomes of the Silicone Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis (SARA) prospective cohort study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017. DOI: 10.1002/acr.23105 — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5376377/
  • Chung KC, Burns PB, et al. Patient expectations and long-term outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients: results from the SARA study. Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(4):641-651. DOI: 10.1007/s10067-014-2775-z — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25267562/
  • Massy-Westropp N, Johnston RV, Hill C. Post-operative therapy for metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(1):CD003522. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003522.pub2 — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8715905/
  • Burr N, Pratt AL, Stott D. An alternative splinting and rehabilitation protocol for metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Hand Ther. 2002;15(1):41-47. DOI: 10.1053/hanthe.2002.v15.01541 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11866351/
  • Delaney R, Trail IA, Nuttall D. Value of dynamic splinting after replacement of the metacarpophalangeal joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 2003;37(4):232-233. DOI: 10.1080/02844310310005658 — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12755512/

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