Simple trapeziectomy for thumb basal joint arthrosis. Forty-four thumbs re-reviewed after 7.5 years

Abstract

BackgroundDue to favorable results in the literature we changed our standard procedure in 2010 from trapeziectomy with LRTI to simple trapeziectomy for thumb basal joint arthrosis. A review of 49 operated hands after two years showed good results, similar to those we had obtained after LRTI. ObjectiveWe have now re-reviewed these patients to see if the good results persist over time. MethodsAll patients from the earlier study were contacted and 40 patients with 44 operated thumbs were re-reviewed after a mean of 7.5 years. ResultsThe mean pain score (0–100) was 14 (SD:22) compared to 18 (25) at the earlier review. There was no significant change in ability to perform ADL activities between reviews. Mean VAS (0–100) for clumsiness fell significantly between early and late review (67 (SD:18) versus 45(27); p ​< ​0.019), although clumsiness was reported by an increased number of patients. VAS for general satisfaction had improved from 23 (SD:28) to 13 (22) between reviews (p ​< ​0.01). The mean QuickDASH and PRWHE scores were practically unchanged. There was significantly improved thumb abduction and ulnar/radial deviation at the wrist. There was a significant reduction in power grip and key pinch in both the operated and the contralateral un-operated hands compared to the earlier review. Radiographs showed a slightly reduced mean distance between the first metacarpal and the scaphoid. ConclusionWe conclude that the good results after simple trapeziectomy persist.