Morphology of the proximal and middle phalanx of fingers with regard to the Ascension PyroCarbon PIP total joint

The Ascension PyroCarbon prosthesis has been used in proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis. The dimensions of the intramedullary distal metadiaphyseal canal (isthmus) of the proximal phalanx and the base of the middle phalanx of cadaver fingers were investigated radiographically (n = 304) and macroscopically (n = 152). In up to 30% of the phalanges, the isthmus was smaller than the stem of the smallest proximal component size. The distal component head was always smaller than the middle phalanx base. Insertion and success of the Ascension PyroCarbon prosthesis is strongly dependent on bone morphology. A critical examination of the isthmus in radiographs is recommended in planning. If the isthmus is clearly smaller than the smallest proximal component, insertion of the prosthesis could be inadvisable. A clear mismatch between the distal component and the middle phalanx base should be avoided due to the potential risk for late subsidence and failure of the prosthesis.