The role of dorsal blocking pinning for premature joint movements in PIP joint after volar plate arthroplasty

Abstract

In the dorsal blocking pinning technique, in chronic PIP dorsal fracture-dislocation after volar plate arthroplasty, a pin is placed at the dorsal level of the PIP joint for the early start of active joint movements. Published studies of this technique are limited to small case series and have conflicting results; Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the role of long-term blocking pin for the early initiation of PIP joint movements after volar plate arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective and case-control study, 30 patients were included in the study by census sampling method between 2016 - 2021; The patients were divided into two case and control groups. In the case group, for patients who underwent volar plate arthroplasty following chronic dorsal PIP fracture-dislocation, the PIP dorsal blocking pin was inserted in order to enable the early start of active joint movements after the operation. The control group only underwent volar plate arthroplasty with cross pinning of the joint to immobilize the joint. The results after surgery for one year (4 times) were measured and recorded with the help of DASH, VAS tools and the level of patient satisfaction with surgery and finally analyzed with ANOVA statistical tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Examination of ROM, DASH score, pain intensity, degree of satisfaction, PIP range of motion and sagittal deviation before and after surgery indicated that the mean ± standard deviation of these variables was associated with significant changes over time, so that the most Changes were seen in the first month after surgery.