Failure of Osseointegration of a Semiconstrained Finger Prosthesis in a Post-traumatic Metacarpophalangeal Joint Defect: A Case Report.

CASE:Post-traumatic defects of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) remain challenging for hand surgeons. Restoration of stability and motion are difficult to achieve because of the complex anatomy and kinematics. The Robert Mathys (RM) semiconstrained prosthesis offers good intrinsic stability and mobility and therefore seems suitable. We report on a patient where the RM prosthesis was used for a traumatic destroyed ring finger MCPj reconstruction but failed because of aseptic loosening. We discuss possible reasons in light of the current literature on post-traumatic MCPj arthroplasties and the RM prosthesis in particular. CONCLUSION:The RM proximal interphalangeal prosthesis does not seem suitable for post-traumatic replacement of the MCPj.