Patient-Experience of Trapeziectomy for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis in Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia no Tourniquet, 2-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to assess the patient experience of trapeziectomy under WALANT for trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) in a prospective study with 2-year follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 23 patients with TMJ OA undergoing trapeziectomy with WALANT. All patients were seen by a hand therapist preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. At each visit, VAS pain scores, thumb range of motion, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were assessed. The Picker Patient Experience (PPE-15) questionnaire was administered within 2 weeks of surgery. RESULTS: All 23 patients completed the PPE-15 questionnaire. Their mean age was 64 years. The 21 patients who remained at the 24-month follow-up all said they would choose the same anaesthesia method again. At this follow-up, VAS pain scores, thumb range of motion, key pinch grip and DASH scores had improved significantly, while thumb opposition and hand grip strength remained largely unchanged. The majority of patients felt well informed before and during the procedure, and all patients rated pain relief as good or satisfactory. Nearly 40% of patients reported receiving inadequate information about the postoperative medications. DISCUSSION: Patients have a positive attitude to trapeziectomy with WALANT, and seem to prefer WALANT over other methods of anaesthesia. Trapeziectomy with WALANT for TMJ OA is a safe procedure and appears to give a functional outcome similar to trapeziectomy under general anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Trapeziectomy with WALANT for TMJ OA is safe, preferred by patients and has similar clinical outcome as trapeziectomy in general anesthesia. KEY WORDS: trapeziectomy, osteoarthritis, WALANT.

Total joint arthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly treated with total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits and harms of the TJA for thumb CMC OA compared with other treatment strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases on August 2, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of TJA in people with thumb CMC joint OA regardless of the stage or etiology of the disease or comparator. The outcomes were pooled with a random effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: We identified 4 studies randomizing 420 participants to TJA or trapeziectomy. At 3 months, TJA's benefits for pain may exceed the clinically important difference. However, after 1-year follow-up TJA does not improve pain compared with trapeziectomy (mean difference 0.53 points on a 0 to 10 scale; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.81). Furthermore, it provides a transient benefit in hand function at 3 months (measured with Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, scale 0-100, lower is better) compared with trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction tendon interposition. The benefit in function diminished to a clinically unimportant level at 1-year follow-up (4.4 points better; CI 0.42-8.4). CONCLUSION: Transient benefit in hand function for TJA implies that it could be a preferable option over trapeziectomy for people who consider fast postoperative recovery important. However, current evidence fails to inform us if TJA carries long-term higher risks of revisions compared with trapeziectomy.

Three-dimensional motion analysis of pre- and postoperative thumb movement in trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis-Comparison of arthrodesis and trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC-OA) reduces the range of motion (ROM) of the thumb. However, the kinematic change achieved through surgical treatment remains unclear. Therefore, to quantify the kinematic change following TMC-OA surgery, we performed a three-dimensional motion analysis of the thumb using an optical motion capture system preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively in 23 patients with TMC-OA scheduled for arthrodesis (AD) or trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty (TS). Eighteen hands of nine healthy volunteers were also included as controls. Both procedures improved postoperative pain and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores, and AD increased pinch strength. The ROM of the base of the thumb was preserved in AD, which was thought to be due to the appearance of compensatory movements of adjacent joints even if the ROM of the TMC joint was lost. TS did not improve ROM. Quantifying thumb kinematic changes following TMC-OA surgery can improve our understanding of TMC-OA treatment and help select surgical procedures and postoperative assessment.

De Quervain tendinitis after total trapeziometacarpal joint arthroplasty: Biomechanical evaluation of tendon excursion in the first extensor tendon compartment.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is the most common complication after total trapeziometacarpal joint replacement. Etiology is unclear. Implantation of a ball-in-socket implant changes the biomechanics of the normal trapeziometacarpal saddle joint and increases its range of motion. The present study demonstrates that this procedure also significantly increases excursion of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons during thumb flexion-extension, and not during thumb abduction-adduction. Increased tendon gliding under the retinaculum of the first extensor tendon compartment could predispose to the development frictional tenosynovitis and play a role in the development of de Quervain's syndrome after total trapeziometacarpal joint replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable (laboratory study).

Disease severity versus pain severity: Range of motion differences during single- and multiplanar tasks in women with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

In carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) of the thumb, to what extent treatments should be directed by radiographic disease severity versus pain-based indicators remains an open question. To address this gap, this study investigated the relative impact of disease severity and pain severity on the range of motion in participants with CMC OA. We hypothesized larger differences would exist between extremes in the pain severity cohort than the disease severity cohort, suggesting pain modulates movement to a greater extent than joint degradation. Thirty-one female participants (64.6 ± 10.9 years) were grouped as symptomatic or asymptomatic (pain severity cohort) and early stage OA or end-stage OA (disease severity cohort) using radiographs and questionnaires. Kinematics were measured during single-planar and multiplanar range of motion tasks. Joint angle differences between groups were statistically compared. Differences in self-reported pain, function, and disability were evident in both participant cohorts. Notably, substantial distinctions emerged exclusively during multiplanar tasks, with a greater prevalence in the disease severity cohort compared to the pain severity cohort. Participants with end-stage OA also exhibited similar overall area covered during circumduction in comparison to those with early-stage OA, despite having a decreased range of motion at the CMC joint. The study underscores the importance of assessing multiplanar tasks, potentially leading to earlier identification of CMC OA. While movement compensations such as employing the distal thumb joints over the CMC joint were observed, delving deeper into the interplay between pain and movement could yield greater insight into the underlying factors steering these compensatory mechanisms.

Internal brace augmentation improves the biomechanical properties of trapeziometacarpal joint dorsoradial ligament repair.

This study investigated whether dorsoradial ligament repair with internal brace augmentation provided more immediate stability in the trapeziometacarpal joint than dorsoradial ligament repair alone. Seven matched pairs of cadaveric hands were used. One specimen from each pair was assigned to the repair-only group and the other to the repair + internal brace augmentation group. Trapeziometacarpal joint range of motion and translation were quantified under different conditions for both groups: (1) intact, (2) transected dorsoradial ligament, and (3) repaired dorsoradial ligament or repaired dorsoradial ligament plus internal brace augmentation. Load-to-failure tests were performed after repair. Range of motion and translation were increased by dorsoradial ligament transection and were decreased by dorsoradial ligament repair; however, compared to the intact condition, the repair-only group demonstrated greater flexion/extension range, while the repair + internal brace group showed no significant difference in range of motion. Mean loads at 2- and 3-mm displacements were greater in the repair + internal brace group than in the repair-only group (18.0 ± 1.8 N vs. 10.8 ± 1.3 N for 2 mm displacement and 35.3 ± 3.7 N vs. 23.1 ± 2.9 N for 3 mm displacement, respectively). Internal brace augmentation improved the load-to-failure characteristics of dorsoradial ligament repair without compromising range of motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Relationship between trapeziometacarpal joint morphological parameters and joint contact pressure: a possible factor of osteoarthritis development.

The trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint is the one of the hand joints that is most affected by osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this study was to determine if specific morphological parameters could be related to the amount of pressure endured by the joint which is one of the factors contributing to the development of this pathology. We developed 15 individualized 3D computer aided design (CAD) models of the TMC joint, each generated from the CT scan of a different participant. For each participant, we measured several crucial morphological parameters: the width and length of the trapezium bone and dorso-volar and ulno-radial curvature, of the trapezium and the metacarpal bone. Each CAD model was converted into a finite element model, of both bones and the cartilage located in between. The joint forces applied during pinch grip and power grip tasks were then applied in order to estimate the contact pressures on joint cartilage for each model. Correlations between joint contact pressures and morphology of the trapezium and the metacarpal bone were then analysed. Important variations of TMC joint pressures were observed. For both pinch and power grip tasks, the strongest correlation with joint contact pressure was with the dorso-volar curvature of the trapezium bone. Our findings indicate that dorso-volar curvature of the trapezium bone has a significant impact on mechanical loadings on the TMC joint. This contributes to understanding the prevalence of OA in certain patients.

Associations between radiographic features, clinical features and ultrasound of thumb-base osteoarthritis: A secondary analysis of the COMBO study.

AIM: To investigate the associations of ultrasound and radiographic features of thumb-base osteoarthritis (OA) with thumb-base pain and hand function at baseline and 12 weeks. METHOD: Data from a randomized controlled trial conducted in participants with symptomatic radiographic thumb-base OA were analyzed. Participants who finished follow up were included in this secondary analysis. Pain and hand function were assessed using self-reported measures. All participants underwent ultrasound examinations for synovitis, power Doppler signal (PDS), and osteophytes, and underwent radiography for osteophytes, joint space narrowing (JSN), and subchondral bone sclerosis at baseline. Hand pain and function were reassessed after the 12-week follow up. The associations of ultrasound and radiographic findings with clinical features were further evaluated, using linear regression analyses, after adjustment for relevant confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 166 participants (average age 66.2 years; 76.5% female) were included. At baseline, radiographic JSN and subchondral bone sclerosis were associated with hand function. There was a significant association between ultrasound-detected PDS and patient's global assessment (PGA) at baseline. Baseline radiographic JSN was significantly associated with the changes in stiffness and PGA from baseline to 12 weeks. There was no association between ultrasound features and changes in the clinical outcomes over 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that radiographic features significantly correlate with hand function, and ultrasound PDS is closely related to the PGA at baseline in thumb-base OA. Radiographic JSN may be a predictor for stiffness and PGA in thumb-base OA.

Update on Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis Surgery.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Comprehend anatomy and biomechanics of the normal and arthritic trapeziometacarpal joint. 2. Evaluate best evidence for diagnosis and for operative and nonoperative treatment of thumb osteoarthritis. 3. Understand treatment pitfalls of basilar joint arthritis and complication avoidance. SUMMARY: Articular and ligamentous anatomy of the trapeziometacarpal joint enables complex motions. Disability from arthritis, common at the trapeziometacarpal joint, is debilitating. Furthering the understanding of how trapeziometacarpal arthritis develops can improve treatment. The authors provide current best evidence for diagnosis and treatment of basilar joint arthritis. Pitfalls in treatment are discussed.

Base of thumb osteoarthritis in UK interface services-a cohort and survey-based study to assess current practice.

OBJECTIVE: Base of thumb OA (BTOA) is a common age-related disease that has a significant negative impact on quality of life, while little is known about the structure and pathways of interface services. Our aim was to assess disease burden, referral pathways, service structure and management pathways in UK interface services. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was carried out with a participating clinician at each centre to detail the local guidelines and management of BTOA. Five patients referred with BTOA were prospectively identified in each of 32 UK interface centres. RESULTS: Most centres (72%) had a local guideline and a standardized treatment regime consisting of education (100%), joint protection (100%), range of motion exercises (84%), strengthening exercises (88%), splintage (100%) and use of assistive devices (78%). No centre routinely offered a steroid injection at the first appointment and no centre had a specific threshold for offering an injection. Injection delivery was variable. Most patients had not been referred previously (82%). Most patients used analgesia (72%), but a minority of patients had been treated with a splint (46%), therapy (43%) and steroid injection (27%) prior to their latest attendance. CONCLUSION: Most BTOA patients newly referred to interface services have been treated with analgesics and have not received comprehensive multimodal intervention. The management of BTOA at interface services is standardized in terms of education, splintage and therapy. However, there is a lack of standardization in terms of both the threshold for, timing of and mode of delivery of injection therapy.

Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis Surgery: The Patient Experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with symptomatic recalcitrant thumb carpometacarpal arthritis often undergo surgery. Although most surgical patients do well, the authors anticipated that a substantial portion of their thumb carpometacarpal surgery patients would have unsatisfactory experiences and express unmet expectations, dissatisfaction, and regret, regardless of surgical procedure performed. The authors hypothesized those experiences would correlate with patient-reported outcomes scores. METHODS: The authors identified patients who had undergone trapeziectomy alone or with ligament reconstruction 1 to 4 years previously for primary thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. One hundred twelve patients completed Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and visual analogue scale pain, expectations, satisfaction, and regret questionnaires. RESULTS: More than 40 percent of patients expected to "return to normal" after surgery for pain, strength, and/or function. Including all patients, 7, 19, and 11 percent had unmet expectations for improvement in pain, strength, and function, respectively. Twelve percent expressed dissatisfaction with their outcome. Although just 4 percent regretted undergoing surgery, 13 percent would likely not recommend the procedure to someone they care about. There were no statistically significant differences for any patient-reported outcomes between trapeziectomy-alone (n = 20) and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction (n = 92). Visual analogue scale and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores were both moderately correlated with expectations being met for pain, strength, and function and for satisfaction with surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' thumb carpometacarpal surgical experiences vary considerably. Many express dissatisfaction or a lack of expectations met with the two most common procedures. A thorough understanding and review of expectations preoperatively may be uniquely pertinent for these patients. Further research should determine predictors and potentially modifiable factors for unsatisfactory outcomes.

Quantitative bone single-photon emission CT/CT parameters reflect pain and functional status of symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess arthritis of the basal joint of the thumb quantitatively using bone single-photon emission CT/CT (SPECT/CT) and evaluate its relationship with patients' pain and function. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients (53 hands) with symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb between April 2019 and March 2020. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, grip strength, and pinch power of both hands and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores were recorded for all patients. Basal joint arthritis was classified according to the modified Eaton-Glickel stage using routine radiographs and the CT scans of SPECT/CT, respectively. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) from SPECT/CT was measured in the four peritrapezial joints and the highest uptake was used for analysis. RESULTS: According to Eaton-Glickel classification, 11, 17, 17, and eight hands were stage 0 to I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The interobserver reliability for determining the stage of arthritis was moderate for radiographs (k = 0.41) and substantial for CT scans (k = 0.67). In a binary categorical analysis using SUVmax, pain (p < 0.001) and PRWHE scores (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in hands with higher SUVmax. Using multivariate linear regression to estimate the pain VAS, only SUVmax (B 0.172 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.065 to 0.279; p = 0.002) showed a significant association. Estimating the variation of PRWHE scores using the same model, only SUVmax (B 1.378 (95% CI, 0.082 to 2.674); p = 0.038) showed a significant association. CONCLUSION: The CT scans of SPECT/CT provided better interobserver reliability than routine radiographs for evaluating the severity of arthritis. A higher SUVmax in SPECT/CT was associated with more pain and functional disabilities of basal joint arthritis of the thumb. This approach could be used to complement radiographs for the evaluation of patients with this condition. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1380-1385.

Clinical efficacy of closed reduction and percutaneous parallel K-wire interlocking fixation of first metacarpal base fracture.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of treating a first metacarpal base fracture by closed reduction and percutaneous parallel K-wire interlocking fixation between the first and second metacarpals. METHODS: Twenty patients treated by the abovementioned modified technique (modified technique group) and ten patients treated by the traditional percutaneous K-wire fixation technique (traditional technique group) from October 2015 to November 2019 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' average age was 38 years (range, 16-61 years). The mean follow-up period was 13 months (range, 10-18 months). At the final follow-up, the functional recovery of the injured hand was assessed and compared between the modified and traditional technique groups. In addition, the functional recovery of the injured hand was compared with that of the uninjured hand within the modified technique group. RESULTS: All patients recovered well, with no cases of infection or nonunion. Compared with the traditional technique group, the modified technique group had a shorter operative time, lower postoperative visual analogue scale pain score, better effective range of motion score of the first carpometacarpal joint (Kapandji score), and had almost no need for auxiliary plaster fixation, enabling functional exercise to be started earlier. Within the modified technique group, the mean hand grip strength, pinch strength, and Kapandji score on the injured side did not significantly differ to the values on the uninjured side in both the extra-articular and intra-articular fracture subgroups. While the abduction and flexion-extension arcs of the thumb on the injured hand were significantly smaller than those on the uninjured hand in both the extra-articular and intra-articular fracture subgroups, the patients felt clinically well with respect to daily activities and strength. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous parallel K-wire and interlocking fixation technique is simple, effective, and economical for first metacarpal base fractures.

Greater efficacy of a combination of conservative therapies for thumb base OA in individuals with lower radial subluxation - a pre-planned subgroup analysis of the COMBO trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate heterogeneous effects of a combination of conservative therapies compared with an education comparator for thumb base (TB) osteoarthritis (OA) according to clinically relevant characteristics. METHODS: Pre-planned subgroup analysis of the COMBO trial (n = 204) which compared a combination of education on self-management and ergonomic principles, a prefabricated neoprene splint, hand exercises, and diclofenac sodium gel, with education alone for radiographic and symptomatic TB OA. Primary outcomes were change in pain (visual analogue scale [VAS], 0-100 mm) and hand function (Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis questionnaire, 0-30) from baseline to week-6. Other outcomes were grip and tip-pinch strength and patient's global assessment (PGA) (VAS, 0-100 mm). Possible treatment effect modifiers were the presence of interphalangeal joint pain, erosive hand OA, radiographic thumb carpometacarpal joint subluxation (higher vs equal or lower than the sample mean), and baseline radiographic OA severity (Kellgren Lawrence grade). Linear regression models were fitted, adding interaction terms for each subgroup of interest. RESULTS: The treatment effects of the combined intervention at 6 weeks were greater in participants with lower joint subluxation compared with those with greater subluxation (pain -11.6 [95%CI -22.2, -9.9] and 2.6 [-5.5, 10.7], respectively, difference between the subluxation groups 14.2 units (95% CI 2.3, 26.1), p-value 0.02; and PGA -14.0 [-22.4, -5.5] and 1.5 [-6.2, 9.3), respectively, difference between the subluxation groups 15.5 units (95% CI 4.2, 26.8), p-value 0.03). There was no statistically significant heterogeneity for the other subgroups. CONCLUSION: A combination of conservative therapies may provide greater benefits over 6 weeks in individuals with lower joint subluxation, although the clinical relevance is uncertain given the wide confidence intervals. Treatment strategies may need to be customized for those with greater joint subluxation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN 12616000353493.

Patients With Higher Treatment Outcome Expectations Are More Satisfied With the Results of Nonoperative Treatment for Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how satisfaction with treatment outcome is associated with patient mindset and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) scores at baseline and 3 months in patients receiving nonoperative treatment for first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Cohort study SETTING: A total of 20 outpatient locations of a clinic for hand surgery and hand therapy in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=308) receiving nonoperative treatment for CMC-1 OA, including exercise therapy, an orthosis, or both, between September 2017 and February 2019. INTERVENTIONS: Nonoperative treatment (ie, exercise therapy, an orthosis, or both) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with treatment outcomes was measured after 3 months of treatment. We measured total MHQ score at baseline and at 3 months. As baseline mindset factors, patients completed questionnaires on treatment outcome expectations, illness perceptions, pain catastrophizing, and psychological distress. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis to identify factors associated with satisfaction with treatment outcomes. RESULTS: More positive pretreatment outcome expectations were associated with a higher probability of being satisfied with treatment outcomes at 3 months (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.25). Only a relatively small part (33%) of this association was because of a higher total MHQ score at 3 months. None of the other mindset and hand function variables at baseline were associated with satisfaction with treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that patients with higher pretreatment outcome expectations are more likely to be satisfied with treatment outcomes after 3 months of nonoperative treatment for CMC-1 OA. This association could only partially be explained by a better functional outcome at 3 months for patients who were satisfied. Health care providers treating patients nonoperatively for CMC-1 OA should be aware of the importance of expectations and may take this into account in pretreatment counseling.

Impact of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Pragmatic Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: First carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is typically understood as part of the disease entity of hand OA. However, CMC1 joint OA often occurs in isolation or is a primary source of symptoms. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of New Zealanders with CMC1 joint OA to better understand the unique impact of this condition, ascertain outcomes of importance, and identify treatment targets. METHODS: In this pragmatic qualitative study, patients who either reported a history suggestive of CMC1 joint OA or had been diagnosed by a physician were recruited from health and community settings in 2 centers on the South Island of New Zealand. Thirty participants (11 men and 19 women, mean ± SD age 65.4 ± 11.36 years) took part in individual face-to-face interviews and kept diaries. The interviews were audio recorded, and along with the diaries, transcribed. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using a primarily inductive approach. The Health Impact Model was employed to help with interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Five interrelated levels of health impact were identified: symptom status, functional limitations, restrictions in social activities and roles, negative thoughts and feelings, and an altered sense of self. Constant pain and pain at night were key symptoms that were associated with impact at the other levels. CONCLUSION: Constant pain, pain at night, functional capacity, medication burden, emotional impact, and sense of self are important outcomes and treatment targets in people with CMC1 joint OA.

Surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in relation to cumulative occupational hand force requirements: a Danish nationwide cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if higher cumulative occupational hand force requirements are associated with higher risks of surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and with surgery earlier in life. METHODS: The study was based on Danish national registers. Among all persons born in Denmark 1931 to 1990, we included those who had been employed for at least 5 years since 1991 by the end of 2000, or later when this employment criterion was reached, up until the end of 2016. Cumulative exposure estimates for 10-year time windows (force-years) were assessed by combining individual year-by-year information on occupational codes with an expert based hand-arm job exposure matrix. First-time events of surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis 2001 to 2017 constituted the outcome. Surgery rates were analysed by a logistic regression technique equivalent to discrete survival analysis using a 1-year lag. We also calculated rate advancement periods. RESULTS: A total of 2 860 448 persons contributed with around 48 million person-years of follow-up, during which 3977 cases appeared (821 among men and 3156 among women). Compared with <5 force-years, the adjusted OR (ORadj) for ≥5 to <10 force-years was 1.39 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.68) and for ≥10 to 30 force-years 1.47 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.71) among men and 1.64 (95% CI 1.50 to 1.78) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.43) among women. The sex combined ORadj were 1.59 (95% CI 1.47 to 1.72) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.48). Among the exposed, surgery was advanced by 3 to 7 years. CONCLUSION: Medium/high cumulative hand force requirements were associated with elevated hazard rates of surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and advanced the time of surgery by several years.

The clinical and cost effectiveness of splints for thumb base osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical effectiveness, efficacy and cost effectiveness of splints (orthoses) in people with symptomatic basal thumb joint OA (BTOA). METHODS: A pragmatic, multicentre parallel group randomized controlled trial at 17 National Health Service (NHS) hospital departments recruited adults with symptomatic BTOA and at least moderate hand pain and dysfunction. We randomized participants (1:1:1) using a computer-based minimization system to one of three treatment groups: a therapist supported self-management programme (SSM), a therapist supported self-management programme plus a verum thumb splint (SSM+S), or a therapist supported self-management programme plus a placebo thumb splint (SSM+PS). Participants were blinded to group allocation, received 90 min therapy over 8 weeks and were followed up for 12 weeks from baseline. Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) hand pain at 8 weeks was the primary outcome, using intention to treat analysis. We calculated costs of treatment. RESULTS: We randomized 349 participants to SSM (n = 116), SSM+S (n = 116) or SSM+PS (n = 117) and 292 (84%) provided AUSCAN Osteoarthritis Hand Index hand pain scores at the primary end point (8 weeks). All groups improved, with no mean treatment difference between groups: SSM+S vs SSM -0.5 (95% CI: -1.4, 0.4), P = 0.255; SSM+PS vs SSM -0.1 (95% CI: -1.0, 0.8), P = 0.829; and SSM+S vs SSM+PS -0.4 (95% CI: -1.4, 0.5), P = 0.378. The average 12-week costs were: SSM £586; SSM+S £738; and SSM+PS £685. CONCLUSION: There was no additional benefit of adding a thumb splint to a high-quality evidence-based, supported self-management programme for thumb OA delivered by therapists. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 54744256 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN54744256).

Comparative Effectiveness of Orthoses for Thumb Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the best option among orthoses for carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb, using a network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry databases were used. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane, and other databases were used without language restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on adults with OA of the thumb by studying any orthosis from the beginning to March 10, 2020. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and checked for accuracy and completeness by pairs of reviewers. Outcomes were pain and function. Comparative treatment effects were analyzed by random-effects model for direct pairwise comparisons and Bayesian network meta-analyses to integrate direct and indirect evidence. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eleven RCTs involving 619 patients were included. We evaluated 5 groups, for 4 different orthoses: short thermoplastic CMC splint (rigid CMC) (n=5), long thermoplastic carpometacarpal-metacarpophalangeal splint (rigid CMC-MCP) (n=7), short neoprene CMC splint (soft CMC) (n=1), long neoprene CMC-MCP splint (soft CMC-MCP) (n=5), and one as a control group (n=5). Our results show that all splints were superior to placebo to reduce pain intensity and the top-ranked intervention was the rigid CMC-MCP (surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis [SUCRA], score: 65.4). In function evaluation, we report a 71.6 SUCRA for rigid CMC. CONCLUSIONS: Although the current evidence is unclear on the use of the splint in OA of the thumb, it is not known which orthosis is more effective and whether the orthosis is more effective than other interventions. The network meta-analysis shows that a long thermoplastic splint it is the best choice for pain relief and the short thermoplastic CMC splint is the best treatment to increase function. These results may suggest initial treatment with a long rigid orthosis and then a short rigid orthosis.

Painful Snapping of Thumb Caused by a Displaced Non-Union Fragment from the Trapezium: A Case Report.

There are only a few reports regarding snapping thumb caused by the pathology of the extensor tendon. We report a rare case of snapping thumb caused by a displaced non-union fragment from the trapezium in a 54-year-old man treated with the surgical resection. The intraoperative findings and the outcome are described.