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What Is Finger Joint Arthroplasty?

Finger joint arthroplasty is surgery to replace a damaged finger joint with an implant. It may be considered when arthritis or an injury causes persistent pain and loss of function. The procedure aims to reduce pain while preserving useful joint motion.

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What Is Finger Joint Arthroplasty?

Finger joint arthroplasty is surgery to replace a damaged finger joint with an implant. It may be considered when arthritis or an injury causes persistent pain and loss of function. The procedure aims to reduce pain while preserving useful joint motion.

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When Is Finger Joint Arthroplasty Considered?

A surgeon may recommend replacement when nonsurgical treatment no longer controls symptoms. The condition of the bones, tendons, and ligaments affects whether an implant is suitable. Joint fusion may be a better option for some fingers or joints.

How Is the Joint Replaced?

The surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and prepares the adjoining bones. An implant is placed to form a new joint surface. The implant type and surgical approach depend on the joint and the patient's needs.

What Happens During Recovery?

A splint may protect the finger after surgery. Hand therapy guides movement and helps manage swelling and stiffness. Activity limits depend on the implant, the stability of the joint, and the surgeon's instructions.

What Are the Risks?

Possible complications include infection, stiffness, and joint instability. An implant can loosen, wear, or break over time. Nerve or tendon injury and continued pain are also possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finger Joint Arthroplasty

Does finger joint replacement restore full movement?

Not necessarily. Pain may improve, but the amount of motion after surgery varies.

Is finger joint arthroplasty the same as fusion?

No. Arthroplasty uses an implant to preserve movement, while fusion joins the bones so the treated joint no longer moves.

Can any finger joint be replaced?

Not every joint is a good candidate. The surgeon considers the joint involved, its stability, and the demands placed on the hand.

Will the implant last forever?

Implant lifespan varies. Wear, loosening, or breakage may eventually require further treatment.

References

Complications after surface replacing and silicone PIP arthroplasty: an analysis of 703 implants. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33159549/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Complications, reoperations and revisions after proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29732958/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Finger Joint Replacement. OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/finger-joint-replacement/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Prosthetic Arthroplasty of Proximal Interphalangeal Joints for Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Posttraumatic Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing the Three Ulnar Digits With the Index Finger. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6759965/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint replacements with pyrolytic carbon implants in the hand. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5444235/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.