Successful Arthroplasty Using Cadaveric Meniscus for Osteochondral Defects in the Wrist and Hand Joints

Background: Osteochondral defects of the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints often necessitate joint arthrodesis or mechanical arthroplasty, which has a limited lifespan. In severely arthritic wrist and finger joints, we propose a novel adjunct for joint salvage using cadaveric meniscus for joint resurfacing as an off-the-shelf alternative to address osteochondral defects and restore normal intraarticular contact stress. Methods: A total of 14 patients with osteochondral defects in 5 radiocapitate, 5 MCP, 3 PIP, and 1 carpometacarpal joints received cadaveric meniscus to facilitate arthroplasty. Patient demographic, perioperative pain, range of motion, and complications were examined. Results: Patients aged 17 to 73 years old (average, 54.6 years old) underwent joint reconstruction for scaphoid nonunion (n = 1), scaphoid-lunate advanced collapse (n = 4), or osteoarthritis of MCP/carpometacarpal (n = 6) or PIP (n = 3) joints. Successful arthroplasty with joint space preservation occurred in all joints. Patients had a significant reduction in average pain scale score (P

http://ift.tt/2o2y40b