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Learn the Joint replacement: Swansons silicone MCP joint surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Joint replacement: Swansons silicone MCP joint surgical procedure.

 

Swanson’s joint replacement was described in the mid-1960s. The silicone-rubber implant was designed to improve the alignment of the fingers by active as an internal splint and stimulate a pseudo capsule formation. Swanson termed this implant a ‘load-bearing flexible hinge’. This is still the most commonly performed prosthetic arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis.

There are three major designs of the implant available. The original Swanson design (Wright Medical), the Small Joint Innovations flexible implant and NeuFlex (DePuy).

 

Author: Rajive Jose, Consultant Hand and Plastic Surgeon

Institution: Birmingham Hand Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

In the USA contact: fda.gov
In the UK contact: gov.uk
In the EU contact: ema.europa.eu