Lesser Toes Problems PIPJ Arthroplasty and Fusion

Description: Correction of a fixed flexion deformity of the PIP joint requires:
* excision of enough bone to reduce the deformity
* stabilisation to allow healing
Either a simple excision arthroplasty, removing the condyles of the proximal phalanx, or a fusion with bone removed from both sides of the joint, can achieve this.
The clinical results for excision arthroplasty and fusion are approximately similar, with 80-100% satisfactory results. Non-unions of attempted fusions are usually asymptomatic and excision arthroplasties occasionally appear to ankylose.