Prospective Study of Arthrodesis of Finger Distal Interphalangeal Joints Using the Kerifuse Device

Arthrodesis of a distal interphalangeal joint of the finger (DIP) is mainly performed for a degenerated and painful joint. Various stabilization methods have been used to provide compression at the arthrodesis site such as pins, steel wires, compression screws, headless compression screws, bioresorbable implants and intramedullary staples. Although with complications such as implant fractures or dorsal cortical erosion, intramedullary arthrodesis staples provide reliable pain relief and a consistent fusion rate while inevitably scarring the finger pulp or nail dystrophy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bone fusion time during an arthrodesis performed with the Kerifuse shape memory implant.