Abstract
Objectives: The joints are the most valuable part of the hand for normal function. Avoiding range of motion is very important in treatment after the joint cartilage loss due to tumor, trauma or systemic disease like romatiod arthritis. The aim of this study is to demonstrate viable and mobile joint with non-vascularised 5th metatarsophalangeal total composite joint graft transfer in rabbit model.
Materials and methods: In this study, the 5th metatarsophalangeal joints have been taken with 5 mm. Bone segment proximal and distal part of the joint avoiding joint capsule intact for each rabbit and the grafts were placed to the opposite side of the same area with rigid fixation using microplate and microscrew. Technetium-99m metildiphosphanate scintigraphy and histopathologic examination were used for evaluation of viability and range of motion on the transferred joint grafts in 2th, 4th and 6th weeks after the operation.
Results: Extension and flexion degrees of operation groups significantly lower than control group were found in evaluation of range of motion (p>0.05). In scintigraphic examination, mean viable graft value was 90% percent in all operation groups. In the histologic grading analysis, there was not any statistical difference between control and graft group except 2th week group (p<0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: In conclusion, we have showed that the joint which was transferred non-vascularised, had high viability rate, hyaline type cartilage and enough thickness for movement as similiar characteristic normal functional joint with scintigraphic and histopathologic examination.

Key words: Finger joint, joint prosthesis, bone graft