Finger Fusion Surgery A Patient's Guide to Finger Fusion Surgery
Arthritis of the finger joints may be surgically treated with a
fusion procedure. Fusion keeps the problem joints from moving so
that pain is eliminated. This guide will help you understand -
what parts make up the finger joint - why this type of surgery
is used - how the operation is performed - what to expect before
and after surgery What parts of the finger are involved? The
finger joints work like hinges when the fingers bend and
straighten. The main knuckle joint is the metacarpophalangeal
joint (MCP joint). It is formed by the connection of the
metacarpal bone in the palm of the hand with the finger bone, or
phalange. Each finger has three phalanges, separated by two
interphalangeal joints (IP joints). The one closest to the MCP
joint (knuckle) is called the proximal IP joint (PIP joint). The
joint near the end of the finger is called the distal IP joint
(DIP joint). Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect
bones together. Several