Replacement of the hand MP joints provides excellent pain-relief and functional range of motion. Early on, as stability of the joints is compromised by synovitis, the combination of spinting and exercises may slow progression of the disease. In the final analysis, however, MP joint disease can tremendously impair hand funcion.
Besides the functional improvement that I have witnesed in my patients over the years after MP joint arthroplasty, patient self-reported staisfaction has been high as well-- related, in part, to a favorable improvement in the appearance of the hand.
