Intramedullary devices have been developed to reduce the problems associated with Kirschner (K)-wire fixation in proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare the surgical outcomes of K-wires versus novel internal fixation devices in PIPJ arthrodesis in claw/hammer toe surgery. The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase with keywords "claw toe OR hammer toe" AND "proximal interphalangeal OR PIP" AND "fusion OR arthrodesis." Clinical trials published in English with evidence levels I, II, and III were included. Five studies, including one randomized controlled trial and four case-controlled studies, were identified to meet the inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies showed promising results in union rates using the novel internal devices compared to K-wires. However, the novel internal devices seem not to present advantages in clinical parameters such as pain levels, patient satisfaction, foot-related function, or surgical complication rates.
Keywords: arthrodesis; claw toe; forefoot; fusion; hammer toe; proximal interphalangeal joint.