Management of the Metacarpophalangeal and Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal Joints in Patients with Thumb Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis

Abstract

Basilar thumb osteoarthritis at the trapeziometacarpal joint is the second most common location of osteoarthritis in the hand. Arthritis and instability of the thumb MCP joint can be quite debilitating, given the crucial role the joint plays in thumb dexterity. Advanced basilar thumb osteoarthritis often leads to collapse of the first ray with compensatory hyperextension of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and is accompanied by arthritis in the scaphotrapezialtrapezoid joint. Here the authors discuss the management of MCP hyperextension and scaphotrapezoidal osteoarthritis in the setting of basilar thumb osteoarthritis.