Ligament Reconstruction And Tendon Interposition Research Articles

Arthroscopic Hemitrapeziectomy and Extensor Carpis Radialis Longus Suspensioplasty With Intermetacarpal Ligament Reconstruction for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: Surgical Technique.

Level IV.

An examination of the operative and post-operative management of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in Ireland

BACKGROUND: The trapeziometacarpal or first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the second most common joint affected in osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand. Surgical intervention may be required when conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate operative and post-operative management of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in Ireland. METHODS: An on-line Qualtrics survey was used to determine practice patterns of hand surgeons and therapists including surgical technique, patterns of referral to therapy, treatment protocol and perceived pain impact. RESULTS: Twenty surgeon’s responses were received. Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI) was the most common procedure for all stages of arthritis for sedentary and manual patients. Sixty seven percent (n = 18) stated they perform an additional procedure if stage IV arthritis is present. Eighty percent (n = 16) stated they would perform an additional procedure for MCP joint hyperextension. There were 28 therapist responses. Almost all respondents indicated that patients are initially casted post-surgery with 88% (n = 24) indicating they remain casted for 1-2 weeks. A rigid long thumb spica and neoprene splint are most commonly used. The commencement of exercises differed between respondents and surgical procedures. All participants stated that pain is an issue in the rehabilitation of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: There was consistency in the surgical procedure choice. The stage of arthritis and functional level of the patient was not found to be an important factor for choosing this procedure. There is some consensus for post-operative casting and splinting but more variability in terms of exercise prescription. Pain is a factor to consider post-operatively.

Cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis: a value of information study

BackgroundThumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is one of the most prevalent arthritic conditions commonly treated with trapeziectomy alone or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). We evaluate the cost-effectiveness and value of perfect and sample information of trapeziectomy alone, LRTI, and non-operative treatment.MethodsA societal perspective decision tree was modeled. To understand the value of future research in comparing quality-of-life after trapeziectomy, LRTI, and non-operative management we characterized uncertainty by fitting distributions to EQ-5D utility data published from the United Kingdom hand surgery registry. We used Monte Carlo simulation for the probabilistic sensitivity analysis and to evaluate the value of perfect and sample information.ResultsBoth trapeziectomy alone and LRTI were cost-effective compared to non-operative management ($2,540 and $3,511/QALY respectively). Trapeziectomy alone (base case total cost $8,251, QALY 14.08) was dominant compared to LRTI (base case total cost $8,798, QALY 13.34). However, probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested there is a 12.5% chance LRTI may be preferred at a willingness-to-pay of $50,000/QALY. Sensitivity analysis revealed postoperative utilities are the most influential factors in determining cost-effectiveness. The value of perfect information was approximately $1,503/person. A study evaluating the quality-of-life of 1,000 patients in each arm undergoing trapeziectomy alone or LRTI could provide an expected $1,117 of information value. With approximately 40,000 CMC arthroplasties performed each year in the U.S., the annual value is close to $45 million.ConclusionsTrapeziectomy without LRTI appears to be the most cost-effective procedure in treating late-stage CMC arthritis and should be considered as first-line surgical treatment. There is substantial societal value in conducting additional research to better understand the relative quality-of-life improvements gained from these two common hand surgeries.

SIMPLE TRAPEZIECTOMY VERSUS TRAPEZIECTOMY WITH FLEXOR CARPI RADIALIS SUSPENSION: A 17-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF A RANDOMIZED BLIND TRIAL

Thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthritis is a common and debilitating condition. The mainstay of surgical management is Trapeziectomy. Concerns about possible functional implications of collapse of the metacarpal into the arthroplasty space as well as the potential for scaphometacarpal led to the development of techniques to try and prevent this. The purpose of this study was to investigate if there were any significant differences in the long-term outcomes of patients who participated in a randomized trial of trapeziectomy alone compared with trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI).Sixty-five patients participated in our original trial, the 1 year findings of which were published in 2007. These patients were invited for a follow-up visit at a mean of 17 years (range 15–20) postoperatively. Twenty-eight patients attended, who had 34 operations, 14 trapeziectomy alone and 20 with LRTI. Patients were asked to complete a visual analogue scale (VAS) for satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure, rated on a scale from 0 (most dissatisfied) to 100 (most satisfied). They also completed the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH) at their appointment. They underwent a functional assessment with a hand therapist and had a radiograph of the thumb.There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of satisfaction with surgery or functional outcomes, with most measurements showing minimal or no differences in means between the two groups. There was no difference in the space between the metacarpal and scaphoid on radiograph. Radial abduction was the only parameter that was significantly greater in the patients with simple trapeziectomy (median 79°) compared with trapeziectomy with LRTI (median 71°) (p = 0.04). Even at 17 years there is no significant benefit of LRTI over trapeziectomy alone for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.

Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty continuously improves hand functions up to 5-year postoperatively.

Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty is a reliable surgical procedure for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, which provides good long-term outcomes. However, it remains unclear when the greatest benefit of this procedure can be obtained, and how long these benefits will continue. Therefore, we investigated the middle- to long-term advantages of this procedure by analysing the chronological changes in clinical outcomes by following the same patients from 1year to a median 5years after trapeziectomy with LRTI. Sixteen thumbs that completed consecutive clinical and radiographic evaluations preoperatively, 1year, 2years, 3years, and median 5years (range 4-8years) after trapeziectomy with LRTI were included in this study. We investigated grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion (ROM) of the thumb, a visual analogue scale for pain, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Hand20 questionnaire score, trapezial space height, and trapezial space ratio at every time point. Hand strength (grip, pulp, and lateral pinch), palmar abduction, DASH score, and Hand20 questionnaire score were improved at 1year postoperatively while the radial abduction showed significant improvement at the final follow-up. Moreover, pulp pinch strength, DASH score, and Hand20 questionnaire score continued to improve significantly from 1year postoperatively to the final follow-up. Conversely, trapezial space height and ratio continuously decreased up to the final follow-up. Trapeziectomy with LRTI consecutively improved the pinch strength, ROM of the thumb, DASH score, and Hand20 questionnaire score up to 5years postoperatively. It also maintained the improvement of the other clinical outcomes up to 5years postoperatively except for radiological findings.

Thumb metacarpal dislocation after trapeziectomy with ligamentous reconstruction and tendon interposition: A case report

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis is one of the most common and debilitating pathologies evaluated by the hand surgeon, affecting up to 35% of individuals over 55 years of age. Though multifactorial in etiology, dorsal and radial subluxation of the thumb CMC due to incompetency of the volar beak ligament is thought to be among the most important factors contribution to the arthritis. Multiple operative interventions have been proposed to best address this pathology. In the United States, trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) as described by Burton and Pellegrini remains the most widely used technique. As an isolated trauma, dislocation of the thumb CMC joint is a rare injury, only comprising approximately 1% of injuries evaluated by hand surgeons. Typically, thumb CMC dislocations occur due to axial load with the thumb in a flexed position. They are most commonly dorsal dislocations, and are thought to occur due to failure of the dorsoradial ligament. To date, no cases of CMC dislocation after LRTI have yet been described in the literature. Here we present a patient with volar thumb CMC dislocation as a rare complication after LRTI. After percutaneous pinning and immobilization followed by hand therapy, the patient has had a successful return to work with improved pain, restored function, and no further instability.

Natural History of Metacarpal Subsidence following Trapeziectomy and Its Relationship to Clinical Outcomes.

An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) was conducted. Patient demographics, visual analogue scale pain scores, grip strength, pinch strengths, and radial and palmar abduction were collected. The trapezial space ratio (TSR) was measured by the scaphometacarpal distance divided by the length of the capitate. Subsidence [(postoperative TSR - preoperative TSR)/preoperative TSR] was measured and classified as severe (≥70%) or mild to moderate (<70%). Median rate of subsidence increase was calculated. Conolly-Rath scores were used to evaluate the proportion of good outcomes in each group. A total of 141 trapeziectomies with LRTI were included. Subsidence increased 6.7% (5.4% to 23.0%) per week before 16 weeks and 0.3% (0.1% to 0.8%) per week thereafter. Visual analogue scale pain scores were not significantly different between patients with severe or mild to moderate subsidence ( P = 0.25) 16 weeks after thumb mobilization. The proportion of good outcomes was comparable between the two groups ( P = 0.12). There was no correlation between subsidence and pain (ρ = -0.20; P = 0.24), grip (ρ = -0.02; P = 0.93), key (ρ = -0.13; P = 0.62), tripod (ρ = 0.16; P = 0.71), or index tip pinch strengths (ρ = -0.28; P = 0.43) or radial (ρ = -0.03; P = 0.92) or palmar (ρ = -0.15; P = 0.61) abduction. Subsidence occurs in all patients after trapeziectomy and LRTI, stabilizing 16 weeks after mobilization. Degree of subsidence does not correlate with postoperative outcomes. Risk, II.

Proximal Trapezoidectomy and Scaphotrapezoid Joint Tendon Interposition at the Time of Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition for Pan Trapezial Osteoarthritis Does Not Increase Proximal Carpal Row Malalignment.

Background  Surgical options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal include excision, replacement arthroplasty, and arthrodesis. However, in pan trapezial OA, optimal management of residual scaphotrapezoidal articulation has remained unclear. Purpose  The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether removing the proximal trapezoid from the scaphotrapezoid joint (STJ) and interposing tendon when performing a ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) for pan trapezial arthritis resulted in any clinical or radiographic compromise compared with LRTI alone in isolated carpometacarpal joint arthritis. Methods  In a prospective consecutive cohort, 122 thumbs were selected to generate two matched cohorts and a cross-sectional review was completed at an average of 24 months (range: 5-203 months). Fifty-six thumbs had LRTI alone and 66 thumbs also had resection of the proximal portion of the trapezoid with tendon interposition in the residual gap. Results  The cohorts showed no significant differences in subjective and objective outcome measures and imaging. Excision of the STJ was not associated with poorer clinical outcomes or the development of a dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity. Conclusions  The management of pan trapezial arthritis with LRTI and proximal trapezoid excision and STJ interposition appears satisfactory on short- to medium-term clinical and radiographic follow-up. Level of Evidence:  This is a Level III, consecutive cross-sectional cohort study.

A Meta-analysis of Surgical Interventions for Base of Thumb Arthritis.

Background  There is a myriad of available surgical options for thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthritis and no robust evidence exists to guide the decisions of treating surgeons. Our aim was to assess the comparative effectiveness of different surgical interventions available for the treatment of thumb CMCJ arthritis. Methods  We performed a systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis of all randomized studies comparing surgical interventions for thumb CMCJ arthritis. Our primary outcomes were pain, function, and key pinch strength at long-term follow-up (> 6 months). Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed for each outcome measure of compared interventions separately. Clinical recommendations were based on evidence of strong or moderate certainty. Results  A total of 17 randomized studies were included in the systematic review. Where possible, pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed. Based on evidence of moderate certainty, trapeziectomy with a concomitant ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) does not appear to be associated with any long-term clinical benefits compared with simple trapeziectomy (function: mean difference [MD] -3.72 [-9.15, 1.71], p  = 0.64 favoring simple trapeziectomy; key pinch strength: MD 0.07 kg [-0.28, 0.43], p  = 0.68 favoring trapeziectomy with LRTI). Treatment rankings from the network meta-analysis favored trapeziectomy with and without LRTI, joint replacement, and arthrodesis. Trapeziectomy with LRTI appears to be associated with fewer major complications compared with joint replacement and arthrodesis, and more minor complications compared with simple trapeziectomy. Conclusion  Until further high-quality research indicates otherwise, simple trapeziectomy should be the preferred surgical modality for base of the thumb arthritis. Level of Evidence  This is a Level 1 study.

Facteurs de pronostic préopératoires exposant à une mauvaise récupération précoce après une trapézectomie avec reconstruction ligamentaire et arthroplastie d’interposition tendineuse dans le traitement de la rhizarthrose

BackgroundTrapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is performed for treating thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. However, patients occasionally experience delayed postoperative recovery. Although several prognostic factors associated with long-term outcomes have been identified, the factors associated with delayed recovery after trapeziectomy with LRTI have not been identified. HypothesisWhen we define major disability in the early postoperative period at 3 months after LRTI surgery as delayed recovery, some preoperative factors can influence with delayed recovery. Moreover, delayed recovery can influence the long-term therapeutic outcome. Patients and MethodsThirty thumbs that underwent trapeziectomy with LRTI (mean follow-up period, 29.3 months) were retrospectively analyzed. Major disability was defined by both DASH and Hand20 scores≥35 after surgery, and patients were divided into groups 1 (major disability; n=9) and 2 (no major disability; n=21) according to the scores at 3 months after surgery. Preoperative data, including age, sex, preoperative symptom duration, dominant hand surgery, concurrent surgery with LRTI, previous orthopedic surgery, employment, stage of osteoarthritis, thickness of the trapezium, metacarpophalangeal hyperextension deformity, DASH score, Hand20 score, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion of the thumb were compared between groups to identify the factors indicating a poor prognosis at 3 months after surgery. We also compared the clinical outcomes at the 12-month and final follow-up. ResultsDominant hand surgery, previous orthopedic surgery, and preoperative poor DASH score were significantly more frequent in group 1, while the other factors did not show significant intergroup differences. Moreover, group 1 showed significantly poorer DASH score, grip and pinch strength, and active flexion of the thumb metacarpal joint at both the 12-month and final follow-up. This group also showed significantly poorer Hand20 and VAS scores at the final follow-up. DiscussionDominant hand surgery, previous orthopedic surgery, and preoperative poor DASH score were associated with poor recovery at 3 months after trapeziectomy with LRTI. Moreover, major disability at 3 months after surgery influenced poor clinical outcomes at the 12-month and final follow-ups. These data could be useful for counseling patients regarding the expected recovery duration and outcomes after LRTI surgery. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective therapeutic study.

A Meta-Analysis of the Outcomes of Ligament Reconstruction Compared to No Reconstruction with or without Tendon Interposition Following Trapeziectomy for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis.

Background: The outcomes of trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) compared to the trapeziectomy (T) alone or in combination with tendon interposition (TIA) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) of the thumb are still debated. The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis to determine whether the outcomes of LRTI were better compared to T or TIA. Methods: A meta-analysis of randomised trials that included the outcomes of patients with thumb CMCJ OA that underwent LRTI, T or TIA with at least 1 year follow-up. The outcomes included number of patients with pain 1 year after surgery (NPP), Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS Pain), key pinch strength, patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs) and number of adverse effect (AEs). The effect was assessed using mean difference for quantitative variables (VAS pain and key pinch), standardised mean difference for PROMs and relative risk for binary variables (NPP and AEs). Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria (857 participants: 438 LRTI vs 419 T/TIA). We did not find significant differences between LRTI and T/TIA in NPP, VAS pain, key pinch at 1 year and 5 years or more, PROMs, and AEs at 1 year and at 5 years or more after surgery. Conclusions: The outcomes of LRTI are not superior to T or TIA in the treatment of OA of the thumb CMCJ. Level of Evidence: Level I (Therapeutic).

Risk factors for residual pain after ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition on osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is currently the most performed procedure for osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. In general, satisfactory outcomes are expected, although some patients complain of residual pain after LRTI. The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with residual pain. All patients with OA of the thumb CMC joint who underwent LRTI at our hospital between October 2013 and October 2018 and were regularly observed for at least 1year were included. The following variables were extracted and included in the univariate analysis: sex, age, dominant hand, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, Eaton classification, grip strength, pulp pinch strength, and metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension angle were recorded as variables. Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test was used for univariate analysis of the above factors, and then multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the factors associated with residual pain. The study included 60 thumbs of 53 patients. Eleven thumbs had postoperative residual pain. The surgery on the dominant hand was significantly associated with the presence of postoperative residual pain, especially in males. Dominant hand was associated with residual pain after LRTI for OA of the thumb CMC joint, although residual pain was minimal. Our findings will help in preoperative and postoperative counseling of patients. In the future, our results may also help select surgical procedures according to the patient's characteristics.

Preoperative prognostic factors associated with poor early recovery after trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

BackgroundTrapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is performed for treating thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. However, patients occasionally experience delayed postoperative recovery. Although several prognostic factors associated with long-term outcomes have been identified, the factors associated with delayed recovery after trapeziectomy with LRTI have not been identified. HypothesisWhen we define major disability in the early postoperative period at 3 months after LRTI surgery as delayed recovery, some preoperative factors can influence with delayed recovery. Moreover, delayed recovery can influence the long-term therapeutic outcome. Patients and methodsThirty thumbs that underwent trapeziectomy with LRTI (mean follow-up period, 29.3 months) were retrospectively analyzed. Major disability was defined by both DASH and Hand20 scores≥35 after surgery, and patients were divided into groups 1 (major disability; n=9) and 2 (no major disability; n=21) according to the scores at 3 months after surgery. Preoperative data, including age, sex, preoperative symptom duration, dominant hand surgery, concurrent surgery with LRTI, previous orthopedic surgery, employment, stage of osteoarthritis, thickness of the trapezium, metacarpophalangeal hyperextension deformity, DASH score, Hand20 score, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion of the thumb were compared between groups to identify the factors indicating a poor prognosis at 3 months after surgery. We also compared the clinical outcomes at the 12-month and final follow-up. ResultsDominant hand surgery, previous orthopedic surgery, and preoperative poor DASH score were significantly more frequent in group 1, while the other factors did not show significant intergroup differences. Moreover, group 1 showed significantly poorer DASH score, grip and pinch strength, and active flexion of the thumb metacarpal joint at both the 12-month and final follow-up. This group also showed significantly poorer Hand20 and VAS scores at the final follow-up. DiscussionDominant hand surgery, previous orthopedic surgery, and preoperative poor DASH score were associated with poor recovery at 3 months after trapeziectomy with LRTI. Moreover, major disability at 3 months after surgery influenced poor clinical outcomes at the 12-month and final follow-ups. These data could be useful for counseling patients regarding the expected recovery duration and outcomes after LRTI surgery. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective therapeutic study.

Trapeziectomy with suture-button suspensionplasty versus ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition: a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of patients operated with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) using flexor carpi radialis tendon versus trapeziectomy followed by suspension of the first metacarpal to the second metacarpal using a Mini TightRope® suture button (suture button suspension: SBS). A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial was performed, comparing 37 patients with SBS and 39 with LRTI. All surgeries were performed by the same fellowship-trained hand surgeon. Patients were assessed by an independent observer at 40 months’ follow-up. Pre- and postoperative strength, trapezial space ratio (TSR), range of motion, QuickDASH and visual analogue pain score were recorded. Both procedures improved functional parameters of pain, key strength, tip strength and grip strength while maintaining range of motion, without significant differences. In the SBS group, TSR decreased by 17%, compared to 28% in the LRTI group. The mean operative time was shorter in SBS (63 vs 91 minutes; p < 0.0001), as was immobilization time (2 vs 6 weeks; p < 0.0001), and patients resumed normal activity sooner (10 vs 12 week; p = 0.0138) and required less physical therapy (19.3 vs 13.1 weeks; p < 0.0001). We believe that our results are related to the hypothesis suggested by biomechanical studies that revealed better initial load bearing profile and maintenance of trapezial space following serial loading in cadaver models.

Mini TightRope Suspension Allows for Accelerated Rehabilitation following Ligament Reconstruction Interposition Arthroplasty of the Basal Joint of the Thumb

Introduction Surgical treatment of thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis usually involves 4 to 8 weeks of postoperative casting and splinting followed by varying mobilization protocols. Suspension arthroplasty has been described as an alternative to allow earlier range of motion exercises. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PRO) when adding a two-string suture-button suspension arthroplasty (Mini TightRope, MTR) to our usual procedure of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), allowing early mobilization. Can we allow early mobilization using this technique without jeopardizing the PRO results at the 1 year follow-up and without an increased risk of complication?Materials and Methods A prospective study using the MTR system (Arthrex) as a suture-button suspensionplasty was conducted. Twelve patients (MTR group) and 36 historical patients (LRTI alone) were included.Results At 12 months, the median value for quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand was 11.3 (range, 0–43.2) in the MTR group and 13.6 (range, 0–88.6) in the LRTI group, resulting in similar improvements, p = 0.46. One in twelve patients in the MTR group was dissatisfied and 9 in 36 in the LRTI group were dissatisfied, p = 0.41. No complications were observed during the first year.Conclusion Supplemental suture-button suspensionplasty can be utilized for high demand patients and patients who want to reduce immobilization time without major complications and with similar PRO as LRTI at 6 and 12 months.Level of evidence Four case series

Biomechanical Analysis of Abductor Pollicis Longus Lasso Suspensionplasty for Trapeziectomy

Multiple methods of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) or suspension have been described to prevent first metacarpal subsidence following trapeziectomy. An abductor pollicis longus (APL) lasso is a newly described technique of suspensionplasty, which aims to obviate concerns regarding previously described methods. The purpose of this study was to compare subsidence between the APL lasso and 2 other common methods, APL sling and flexor carpi radialis LRTI, after trapeziectomy in cadaveric forearms. Ten cadaveric forearms were prepared on a custom-made plinth to recreate pinch grip upon the loading of previously identified muscles. A sequence of procedures was performed, with radiographs taken after each to assess the subsidence. The APL lasso was superior to simple trapeziectomy and flexor carpi radialis LRTI in preventing subsidence. The APL lasso was superior to simple trapeziectomy and flexor carpi radialis LRTI in preventing subsidence, and it may be a viable alternative when considering suspension methods after trapeziectomy. The APL lasso may be considered when trying to prevent subsidence after trapeziectomy.

Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition versus Trapeziometacarpal Joint Replacement for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background  The trapeziometacarpal articulation in the thumb is a joint that is second-most commonly affected by osteoarthritis, and this can lead to considerable hand pain and disability. Currently, there is a multiplicity of surgical options available to address this problem, yet none has proven to be significantly superior to the others. Objective  This study aims to compare the outcome of trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition versus trapeziometacarpal joint replacement for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods  A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. The NICE Healthcare Databases Advanced Search (HDAS) tool was used to search articles. One randomized controlled trial (RCT), one prospective cohort study and two retrospective cohort studies were identified. Results  Our results demonstrate a significant difference in the Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) score between the trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) and Joint Replacement groups with the joint replacement group exhibiting better QDASH scores than the LRTI group. We also found that those who had a joint replacement had a significantly better thumb opposition than those in the LRTI group, as demonstrated by a superior Kapandji score. However, the complication rate of joint replacement appears to be higher. Conclusion  Our study reveals that while both treatment options are valid, the limited body of evidence currently available shows that joint replacement carries more risks and thus should not replace the current standard treatment of trapeziectomy with LRTI. This study highlights the need for more trials to be performed to more accurately compare the two treatment modalities. For the time being, we advocate that joint replacement is only performed by surgeons who perform this procedure regularly to reduce the risk of complications.

Thumb-Basal Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes and Metacarpal Subsidence: A Prospective Cohort Analysis of Trapeziectomy With Suture Button Suspensionplasty Versus Ligament Reconstruction With Tendon Interposition.

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty is a common procedure in the surgical management of symptomatic thumb basal joint arthritis. Following trapeziectomy, a number of suspensionplasty techniques are often used, but limited comparative evidence exists between these techniques. The central aim of this study was to prospectively compare the outcomes of 2 suspensionplasty techniques following trapeziectomy: suture button (TightRope) versus ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). Prospective data were collected on 112 consecutive patients with Eaton stage III-IV thumb CMC arthritis who underwent open trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty. There were 53 LRTI and 59 TightRope suspensionplasty procedures. Outcomes were measured using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, radiographic analysis, and lateral pinch strength. Patient demographic data and complications were also recorded. Patients undergoing TightRope suspensionplasty had significantly higher trapeziometacarpal index and thus less subsidence than the LRTI group at 2 weeks (0.22 vs 0.17 [P < .0001]) and 3 months (0.17 vs 0.15 [P < .05]) postoperatively. TightRope suspensionplasty also had a significantly lower QuickDASH score at 2 weeks (64.7 vs 74.6 [P < .05]), 3 months (20.7 vs 32.5 [P < .05]), and 1 year postoperatively (7.57 vs 21.5 [P < .05]) compared with the LRTI group. However, there was no difference in VAS pain, lateral pinch strength, reoperation, or complications at any time point between groups. Thumb CMC joint arthroplasty performed with a TightRope suspensionplasty versus LRTI yielded short-term improved resistance to subsidence, long-term greater improvement in clinical outcome by QuickDASH, and no difference in pain or complication rates.

Partial trapeziectomy for Eaton stage III thumb carpometacarpal arthritis: ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition using the entire flexor carpi radialis and interference screw fixation.

Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is currently the most popular technique for treating primary osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. However, reduced trapezial height has sometimes been reported after LRTI. Longer immobilization and delayed rehabilitation times are also problematic. In this study, we evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent our modified LRTI procedure. Retrospective study included 26 thumbs in 24 cases with advanced stages. Our modified Burton's procedure was as follows: (1) trapeziectomy was limited to distal-half, (2) the entire flexor carpi radialis (FCR) was harvested from the forearm, and (3) half-slip of the FCR tendon was stabilized by interference screw in the first metacarpal bone tunnel. Pain on the visual analogue scale (VAS), the quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score, tip pinch strength significantly improved postoperatively. The preoperative height of the trapezial space was well-maintained at final follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging at the one-year follow-up showed the existence of FCR tendon ball in 15 cases. Eighteen housewives resumed their daily activities after a mean period of 10days postoperative, while another 6 patients returned to their original jobs after 3weeks. Our modified LRTI method involves distal-half trapeziectomy and entire FCR interposition. A sewn FCR tendon ball always provide enough volume to fill the trapeziectomy space, which helps to prevent sinking of the metacarpal bone. Our technique produced sufficient ligamentoplasty and allowed early mobilization after surgery.

Efficacy of Surgical Interventions for Trapeziometacarpal (Thumb Base) Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

PurposeThis systematic review (SR) aimed to identify the surgical interventions available for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and document their efficacy on pain, physical function, psychological well-being, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and/or adverse events.MethodsThis PROSPERO-registered SR’s protocol was developed based on the Cochrane intervention review methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.ResultsAmong 9049 potential studies identified, 1 SR, 18 randomized controlled trials, and 40 nonrandomized controlled trials were included. We identified 11 categories of surgical techniques: first metacarpal osteotomy, first metacarpal and trapezium partial resection, arthrodesis, trapeziectomy (T), T+ligament reconstruction (LR), T+tendon interposition (TI), T+ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), hematoma distraction arthroplasty (HDA), chondrocostal graft interposition, autologous fat injection, and manufactured implant use. These findings supported by low-quality evidence revealed moderately or largely superior effects of the following interventions: (1) trapeziectomy over T+LRTI using ½ flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and metacarpal tunnel (MT) or using abductor pollicis longus (APL) and FCR for adverse events; (2) trapeziectomy over T+TI using palmaris longus (PL) for pain; (3) T+LR with ½FCR-MT over T+LRTI with ½FCR-MT for physical function; (4) trapeziectomy by anterior approach over that by posterior approach for treatment satisfaction and adverse events; (5) T+LRTI using ½FCR-MT over T+TI with PL for pain; and (6) T+HDA over T+LR using APL-MT-FCR for pain, physical function, and adverse events. GraftJacket (Wright Medical Group, Memphis, TN), Swanson (Wright Medical Group, Letchworth Garden City, UK), and Permacol (Tissue Science Laboratories, Aldershot, UK) implants and hardware (plate/screw) would cause more complications than an autograft. The effect estimates of other surgical procedures were supported by evidence of very low quality.ConclusionsThis SR provided evidence of the efficacy of various surgical interventions for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Some interventions showed a moderate-to-large superior effect on the studied outcome(s) compared with others. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution because of low-quality evidence. To provide stronger evidence, more randomized controlled trials and methodological uniformization are needed.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic I.