Benefits of the silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty (SMPA) procedure are maintained over 7 years with low rates of implant fracture or deformity, according to a recent study. Non-SMPA patients also remained stable in their hand function over the 7-year study duration. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, between ages 18 to 80 years with severe deformity at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, were referred to 1 of 3 study sites. Subjects who elected to undergo SMPA while continuing with medical management were followed in the SMPA cohort. Subjects who elected to continue with medical management alone without surgery were followed in the non-SMPA cohort. Patient-reported outcomes included the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales questionnaire. Researchers found:

• MHQ scores showed large improvements post-SMPA, and baseline-adjusted expected outcomes in the SMPA group were significantly better at year 7 in function, aesthetics, satisfaction, and overall score compared to non-SMPA.
• SMPA subjects did not improve in grip or pinch strength, but achieved significant improvement and maintained the improvement long term in ulnar drift and extensor lag.