What does this research mean for the field?

Elective interphalangeal joint arthrodesis of the hand is associated with a 5.5% non-union rate and few major complications, though hardware-related problems are frequent and commonly require hardware removal. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine the rate of non-union, identify risk factors for non-union, and assess the frequency and distribution of complications across fixation techniques in elective hand interphalangeal joint arthrodesis.

September 15, 2026Acta OrthopaedicaOpen Access

Non-union rates and complications after elective interphalangeal joint arthrodesis of the hand: a cohort study of 366 arthrodeses in 289 patients

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Authors

KLK. LindbergUppsala University HSHanna Sand-UhlénLund University MCMartin ClementsonSkåne University Hospital

Discussion

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Implication

Cohort study observes a 5.5% non-union rate in elective hand arthrodesis patients, highlighting frequent hardware complications and removal.

Key Points

To determine the rate of non-union, identify risk factors for non-union, and assess the frequency and distribution of complications across fixation techniques in elective hand interphalangeal joint arthrodesis.
Retrospective cohort study reviewing elective interphalangeal joint arthrodeses performed between 2014 and 2022 with ≥ 2 years of follow-up (N = 366 arthrodeses in 289 patients).
Defined union and non-union using clinical and radiographic criteria.
Identified risk factors for non-union using logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors to account for multiple procedures per patient.
Non-union occurred in 20 of 366 arthrodeses (5.5%, 95% CI 3.6–8.3), with higher odds among men that did not reach statistical significance (OR 2.43, 95% CI 0.98–6.01).
Hardware-related complications occurred frequently—especially with K-wire and cerclage fixation—leading to surgical hardware removal in 47% of cases.
Additional observed postoperative complications included superficial infections in 7%, deep infections in 4%, and malunion in 4% of arthrodeses.

Cite This Study

Lindberg et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa913c79013453be30a1ef8 https://doi.org/10.2340/17453674.2026.46627

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Implication

Cohort study observes a 5.5% non-union rate in elective hand arthrodesis patients, highlighting frequent hardware complications and removal.

Non-union rates and complications after elective interphalangeal joint arthrodesis of the hand: a cohort study of 366 arthrodeses in 289 patients

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Non-union rates and complications after elective interphalangeal joint arthrodesis of the hand: a cohort study of 366 arthrodeses in 289 patients

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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