ObjectiveTo investigate the treatment efficacy of traumatic proximal interphalangeal (PIP)joint defects with prosthetic replacement.MethodsFrom September 2007 to November 2010, ten patients with joint defect injuries were treated by joint prosthetic replacement (5 index fingers,4 middle fingers,and 1 ring finger),including a reconstructed middle finger.Joint motion range and postoperative pain of all cases were measured to evaluate the treatment.ResultsAll cases went through a smooth operation with primary wound healing,and with neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications happened.The follow-up period was range from 8 months to 2 years.The active motion arcs of PIP joints ranged from 50° to 80°,and satisfactory appearances as well. According to assessment standard of upper extremity described by Chinese Hand Surgery Association,the treatment outcome were excellent in 6 fingers,good in 3 fingers,general in 1 finger.ConclusionJoint prosthetic replacement is a new effective method to treat traumatic proximal interphalangeal joint defect,which is a simple operation with advantages of little trauma and rapid recovery.