USE OF A HERBERT SCREW FOR INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT ARTHRODESIS

Fifty-one Herbert-screw fixation procedures were performed for interph alangeal fusion in the hand. The preoperative diagnoses included rheum atoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, and chronic mallet finger. All patients were observed until there was clin ical and radiographic evidence of union. Solid osseous union occurred in all patients. Herbert screw fixation for interphalangeal arthrodesi s was a simple, effective technique permitting early mobilization; com plications were minimal.