Osteolysis after Sutter metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty: a prospective study of 282 implants followed up for 5.7 years.

Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and degree of osteolysis in a prospective series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis operated on with Sutter implants. Eighty-seven of the 110 operated hands (104 patients) with 282 implants were evaluated after a mean of 5.7 years (2.1-7.4). Osteolytic changes were present in 142 (50%) of the metacarpal and 152 (54%) of the phalangeal bones. Twenty-six of the metacarpal (9%) and 36 of the proximal phalangeal (13%) bones had osteolytic changes that did not affect the cortical bone. Cortical invasion was recorded in 100 (35%) of the metacarpal and 103 (37%) of the proximal phalangeal bones. The cortex was perforated in both bones in 14 (5%). Osteolytic changes were related to fractures of implants and to the dominant hand, but not to pain. Surgeons who operate on patients with rheumatoid diseases should note that silicone rubber implants often cause osteolytic changes.