[Improved fixation of finger prostheses by means of intramedullary titanium anchors and magnets].

BACKGROUND: A small series of patients with traumatic amputation of fingers have undergone treatment with a new technique using endomedullar osseointegrated titanium implant device that magnetically holds the finger prosthesis.

METHODS: A two-stage reconstruction procedure with endomedullar osseointegrated titanium implants was performed to attach a finger prosthesis to the proximal, middle and distal phalanx. The first stage included implantation of the titanium fixture into the medullary cavity canal of the phalanx. After a 2-month rest period to allow the fixture to firmly osseointegrate with the phalanx of the bone, a skin-penetrating titan-magnetic abutment was placed on top of the fixture, to which the prosthesis was firmly attached.

RESULTS: Good stability could be achieved using an endomedullar osseointegrated prosthesis. Easy handling is possible with the magnetic connection between finger and prosthesis. In the clinical use were no complications observed. We observed no infections and no problems with the soft tissue.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of osseointegrated titanium implants and magnetics for finger prosthetics provides several advantages. Such as stable fixation of the prosthetic finger to the bone, restoration of some sensory feedback with better osseoperception as well as an excellent cosmetic result.