Understanding Research on Finger Joint Stiffness Surgery

This Study Predates Lipogems® Technology

This 1995 research examined a surgical approach to treating chronic finger joint stiffness, specifically affecting the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint—the middle joint of your finger. The study focused on traditional surgical release combined with splinting. It does not involve Lipogems® or any regenerative medicine treatment, as this technology was developed later.

Severe Contractures Treated After Years of Stiffness

The researchers treated 19 patients whose fingers were stuck in a bent position. These patients could not straighten their fingers, with movement deficits ranging from 70 to 90 degrees. Some had lived with this stiffness for as long as 24 years. All had experienced fractures, sprains, or injuries. Many had been treated elsewhere with prolonged immobilization and insufficient physical therapy.

Nearly half of the patients had already tried other treatments that failed. Five had previous corrective surgeries. Nine had undergone forced manipulation under anesthesia, only to see their stiffness return within weeks.

Surgery Released Tight Structures Around the Joint

The surgical procedure involved making an incision along the side of the finger. Surgeons carefully cut and removed tissues that were keeping the joint stuck in a bent position:

• The volar plate (a structure on the palm side of the joint)

• Check-rein ligaments (small bands that limit extension)

• The accessory collateral ligament

The main collateral ligaments were preserved to maintain finger stability. Any adhesions were carefully freed. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia so patients could actively move their finger during surgery.

Most Patients Achieved Full or Near-Full Extension

After surgery and rehabilitation, 11 of 19 patients (58 percent) achieved complete finger extension. The remaining eight patients had only minor residual stiffness, between 10 and 15 degrees. All patients maintained their improvement during follow-up periods ranging from six months to over four years.

Rehabilitation required two to four months of dedicated splinting and exercises. Patients wore dynamic splints during the day and night. Eight patients experienced persistent pain for about two months and needed adjustments to their splinting routine.

No Major Complications Were Reported

The surgical approach proved safe. No infections or skin problems occurred. Finger stability was preserved in all cases. Grip strength remained unchanged. Only one patient continued to experience some pain after treatment. All 19 patients reported satisfaction with their results, and many could work during their recovery period.

How This Relates to Lipogems® Treatment Options

This study describes a purely mechanical surgical solution for severe, long-standing finger contractures. While effective, such procedures involve tissue removal and months of intensive rehabilitation.

Lipogems® represents a different approach to healing. This technology uses micro-fragmented adipose tissue (specially processed fat) from your own body. The tissue contains pericytes and mesenchymal stem cells that support your body's natural repair processes.

For patients with joint stiffness or related conditions, Lipogems® may offer potential benefits:

• Minimally invasive procedure using your own tissue

• Preservation of natural healing mechanisms

• No removal of joint structures

However, it is important to understand that this 1995 study does not evaluate Lipogems® for finger contractures. If you are considering treatment options for chronic finger stiffness, discuss with your physician whether your condition might benefit from regenerative approaches, traditional surgery, or other interventions. The severity and duration of your contracture, previous treatments, and overall health will all factor into determining the most appropriate treatment path.

Source: Abbiati et al., Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), 1995.