Smile incision and reverse shotgun approach in distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis

Arthrodesis serves as the traditional therapeutic approach for advanced distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) arthritis. However, the conventional technique may prove insufficient when the excision of pronounced volar and lateral spurs is required. To address this, we innovated the 'smile incision with reverse shotgun approach'. This method enhances joint exposure and yields superior cosmetic results by extending the transverse skin incision over the DIPJ and cleaving the accessory collateral ligament, thereby improving access to the volar and lateral joint margins. This article meticulously elucidates the surgical procedure and presents preliminary results of its implementation.

The clinical data of 22 consecutive patients (36 fingers) who received DIPJ arthrodesis by this procedure during March 2018 to October 2022, with a mean follow-up period of 9.8 months, were reviewed. Patients’ demographics, union rate, complications, radiographic findings, as well as visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction, were collected and analyzed.

Thirty-five of 36 fingers achieved uneventful bony union (97.2%). The average VAS for pain and satisfaction as well as he coronal plane deviation of DIPJ significantly improved after the operation (all, P < 0.05). No skin necrosis, nail deformity, or infection were observed during the follow-up period.

The smile incision and reverse shotgun approach provided excellent DIPJ exposure, high union rate, and cosmetic appearance for DIPJ arthrodesis surgery. This technique may be a good surgical option for DIPJ arthrodesis when more volar part joint preparation and more volar implant insertion sites are necessary.