Surface wear of PyroCarbon implant in metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty without radiographic abnormality: A case report

Abstract

Case: A 54-year-old male with osteoarthritis of the right long finger metacarpophalangeal joint underwent PyroCarbon joint arthroplasty. Seven years later the patient presented for metacarpophalangeal joint swelling and pain. The workup was benign, without signs of implant complication or osseous abnormality. He underwent washout and two-stage revision, where gross implant wear and debris not demonstrated by radiograph were found. He then returned to the operating room for reimplantation of a PyroCarbon implant.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates a novel presentation of aseptic PyroCarbon implant failure in the hand without radiographic abnormality that can alter operative management by reducing operating room returns.

Keywords: Hand joint replacement; Hand osteoarthritis; Implant failure; PyroCarbon.