Posttraumatic Bony Ankylosis of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint in Ulnar Flexion Treated With Resurfacing Arthroplasty With Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Resurfacing arthroplasty is increasingly used to treat arthrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. However, the presence of ankylosis increases the risk of complications; thus, there are few reports on this procedure in the context of ankylosis. The present report describes the case of a 32-year-old man who presented with posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal arthrosis with bony ankylosis in flexion and ulnar flexion. We performed resurfacing arthroplasty and collateral ligament reconstruction to correct ulnar flexion deformity. At 12 months after surgery, joint extension was −40° and flexion improved to 100° with no ulnar flexion deformity recurrence, loosening, or implant failure. Although resurfacing arthroplasty is generally not suitable for ankylosed joints, we obtained excellent results in this case of bony ankylosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint by adjusting the collateral ligament balance appropriately.