Trapeziectomy and flexor carpiradialis tendon interposition arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint

ABSTRACT

Aprospective study aimed at the evaluation of the outcome of complete excision of the trapezium, flexor carpi radialis tendon interposition arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction in treating symptomatic primary osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Forty-six hands in 38 patients [36 women and 2 men] were studied. The mean age was 57 years. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. Pre and post-operative subjective, objective and radiological evaluation were performed for all patients. All patients reported significant relief of pain. Subjective hand function improved in 43 cases [93.5%]. Mean key pinch and hand grip strength improved from 10.44 and 30.13 pond per square inch [PSI] pre-operatively to 11.37 and 32.05 PSI, respectively, at the end of the follow-up. Better thumb mobility has been achieved, with improved mean first web span from 47 to 63 degrees. The procedure accomplishes its objectives in treating symptomatic trapeziometacarpal arthritis that failed to improve with conservative care