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The effect of index finger distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis on muscle forces and adjacent joint contact pressures

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Abstract

Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis is a frequent surgical operation performed to treat severe arthritis. Nevertheless, the angle selected when fusing the joint is arbitrarily chosen without any quantified data concerning its mechanical effects, thus preventing the optimal choice for the patient. In the current study, we realized an experiment and developed a numerical model to investigate the effect of fusion angle on the biomechanics of adjacent non-operated joints. Six participants performed a pinch grip task while arthrodesis was simulated with a metal splint. Kinematic and force data were recorded during this task and used in a biomechanical model to estimate contact pressures in adjacent joints. The biomechanical model involved combining a multibody system and a finite element method. Results showed that the angle of any distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis influences index finger kinematics and maximal grip force in several participants. For one participant, in the arthrodesis simulation, we observed an increase of 1.9 MPa in the proximal interphalangeal joint contact pressure. Our results provide quantified information about the biomechanical consequences of this surgical operation and its potential long-term effects.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mathieu Caumes for his help with the experimental device.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, ISM, 163 Avenue de Luminy BP 910 -13288, Cedex 09, Marseille, France

    Thomas Valerio, Benjamin Goislard de Monsabert, Barthélémy Faudot, Jean-Louis Milan & Laurent Vigouroux

  2. Aix-Marseille University, APHM, CNRS, ISM, St Marguerite Hospital, Institute for Locomotion, Marseille, France

    Thomas Valerio, Barthélémy Faudot & Jean-Louis Milan

  3. Department of Hand Surgery and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery of the Limbs, La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France

    Jean-Baptiste De Villeneuve Bargemon & Charlotte Jaloux

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  1. Thomas Valerio
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  2. Benjamin Goislard de Monsabert
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  3. Barthélémy Faudot
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Correspondence to Thomas Valerio.

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Valerio, T., de Monsabert, B.G., Faudot, B. et al. The effect of index finger distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis on muscle forces and adjacent joint contact pressures. Med Biol Eng Comput 60, 2537–2547 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-022-02624-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-022-02624-x

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