Abstract
Flexible Silicone-rubber implants for small joint arthroplasty, designed and developed by Swanson (1962), are now gaining wide acceptance in respects to their biological and functional advantages. Not only the motion of MP joints but that of IP joints is also highly desirable to preserve whenever possible, since all of the digital joints are important in functional adaptations in a disabled hand.
The authors performed flexible arthrlopasty using a Swanson's implant on a young military cadet with ankylosis—in—extension of the PIP joint of the left ring finger, simulating a swan-neck deformity resulting from a hyperextension injury.
At one year follow-up, the patient was pursuing all strenuous physical activities required in a cadet life.
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