Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis Research Articles

Arthrodesis for Eaton-Littler stage III degenerative trapeziometacarpal arthritis: a retrospective comparative study of fixation methods

Purpose: This study compared clinical outcomes depending on the fixation modality in patients who underwent arthrodesis surgery for Eaton-Littler stage III trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthritis between 2009 and 2022. Methods: In total, 39 patients with 44 hands (five patients had surgery on both hands) were selected. Depending on the operative fixation instruments, patients were divided into two groups: group 1, surgery with 25-gauge interosseous wiring and Kirschner wire or headless screw fixation; group 2, surgery with only multiple headless screws for fixation. Bone union was achieved at 62 days after surgery in group 1 and 75 days in group 2 (p=0.165). Results: The preoperative mean visual analogue scores improved during the postoperative outpatient follow-up period in both groups (group 1, from 4.0 preoperatively to 1.0 at the final follow-up; group 2, from 5.0 preoperatively to 2.0 at the final follow-up). Mean grip strength and pinch strength increased after surgery. One patient (4.8%) experienced nonunion in group 1, whereas nonunion occurred in four patients (17.4%) in group 2. This difference was not statistically significant. Four patients in group 1 and no patients in group 2 underwent fixation instrument removal after sound union. Conclusion: Adequate stability can be achieved during arthrodesis by combining interosseous wiring and other implants or multiple headless compression screws, resulting in successful outcomes for patients with Eaton-Littler stage III degenerative TM arthritis.

Mid- and long-term clinical results of the Elektra and Moovis prosthesis for trapeziometacarpal joint replacement

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty as a surgical treatment option for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis is recently revived. The aim of this study is to report on mid- and long-term results of the Elektra (single-mobility) and Moovis (dual-mobility) prosthesis for treatment of primary thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis.MethodsIn this retrospective, monocentric, descriptive cohort study, 31 prostheses were evaluated that were implanted by a single surgeon in 26 patients between 2009 and 2019. Indication for surgery was trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (Eaton/Littler Stage II and III). Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at a minimum of 24 months. The postoperative assessment included range of motion, pain, strength as well as functional scores (DASH, MHQ). Implant survival and complications were the primary endpoints.Results10 Elektra and 21 Moovis prostheses were implanted between 2009 and 2019 with a mean follow-up of 74.2 months in the Elektra and 41.4 months in the Moovis group. The average patients’ age at surgery was 64 years. Postoperative pain levels (VAS 0–10) were below 2 at rest and under stress in both groups. Grip/pinch strength and range of motion showed results comparable to the contralateral hand. Opposition was excellent with an average Kapandji index of 9.6 in both groups. Elektra achieved slightly better functional scores in the DASH and MHQ score. Satisfaction was high in both groups, and 96% of the patients would recommend the procedure. Metacarpophalangeal hyperextension > 15° was seen in 3 patients per group preoperatively and was corrected to < 5° post-surgery. 3 Elektra prostheses were revised due to cup loosening and dislocation for cup and/or neck replacement or secondary trapeziectomy. 1 Moovis prosthesis was revised with an exchange of the neck to a larger size due to restricted movement. After the mean follow-up of 7.9 years in Elektra and 3.5 years in MOOVIS, cumulative survival was 68.6% vs. 95.2%, respectively.ConclusionsIn this mid- to long-term retrospective analysis, total joint arthroplasty in primary trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis results in low pain levels, excellent mobility and clinical function. Patient satisfaction is overall high. While revision due to cup loosening occurred more often in patients with single-mobility implants, no cases of dislocation or loosening of components were observed in the dual-mobility group.Trial registrationThe study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, reference number S-150/2020.

Thumb Arthroplasty as Reliable Long-term Solution for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Minimum of 15 Years of Follow-up.

In patients with symptomatic trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis resistant to conservative treatment, surgical treatment can be advised. One of the many surgical treatment options is TMC arthroplasty. The Arpe prosthesis is one example of these TMC arthroplasties. This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent TMC arthroplasty with the Arpe prosthesis after a minimum of 15 years of follow-up. Clinical, radiologic, and qualitative outcomes were assessed for 43 Arpe arthroplasties in 41 patients, of whom 2 had bilateral arthroplasties. The female to male ratio was 39:4. The mean follow-up time was 197 months (range = 180-225). The cumulative survival rate after a mean of 16.5 years was 84%. Seven failures (16%) were registered, of which 5 during the first 3 years after primary surgery. All patients were successfully converted to a trapeziectomy. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved with 44.9 points and visual analogue pain score with 97% and 91% at rest and during exercise, respectively. This series demonstrates that thumb arthroplasty is a reliable long-term solution for thumb base arthritis, with significant pain reduction and functional improvement, even after 15 years of follow-up.

Predicting Contralateral Surgery for Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Within 5 Years

Symptomatic trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis is a common cause of hand pain. It is unknown how many patients ultimately elect to have bilateral surgery for TMC arthritis. In this study, we assessed the frequency and predictive factors for contralateral TMC surgery in patients who underwent prior TMC surgery. We identified 712 patients who underwent primary surgery for TMC arthritis with a follow-up period of 5 years. We collected demographic, surgical, and follow-up data. Prediction models for contralateral surgery using a training and testing data set were created with multivariable logistic regression and random forest classifier algorithms. At the time of initial surgery, 230 patients had bilateral thumb pain (32%), but only 153 patients ultimately had an operation for TMC arthritis on the contralateral side within 5 years (21% of 712 total patients and 67% of 230 patients with bilateral pain). Common predictive factors between both models for contralateral surgery were younger age (odds ratio [OR]= 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.98), bilateral thumb pain (OR= 3.76; 95% CI, 2.52-5.65), and anxiety disorders (OR= 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11-3.03). In our study, we found that the rate of contralateral surgery was 21% in patients who underwent prior TMC surgery. Predictive factors for future contralateral surgery included younger age, bilateral thumb pain, and anxiety disorder at the time of initial surgery. Prognostic II.

Surgical treatment of carpometacarpal thumb arthritis with trapeziectomy and intra-tendon (FCR) suspension with one-loop APL: comparative cohort study

BackgroundOne of the current choices of treatment for Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis is trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty. The Ceruso’s technique consists of complete trapezial excision and abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon suspension. The APL tendon is tied to the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon with two loops, one around it and one inside, and then used as interposition tissue. The purpose of the present study was to compare two different techniques of a trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty using the Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) tendon, which is only Once Looped Around (OLA) versus Once Looped Inside (OLI) the Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) tendon.MethodsA single-center, retrospective study (Level of evidence: III) has been conducted on sixty-seven patients older than 55 years (33 OLI, 35 OLA), assessing clinical outcomes for at least 2 years of post-surgery follow-up. The outcomes were to assess and compare surgical outcomes comparing the two groups, in terms of subjective and objective evaluation for both groups at the last follow-up (primary outcome), and at the intermediate follow-ups (three and six months). Complications were also assessed.ResultsThe authors found an improvement in pain, range of motion, and function, with equivalent results for both techniques. No subsidence was observed. FCR tendinitis was significantly reduced with OLI, as well as the need of post-operative physiotherapy.ConclusionsThe one-loop technique allows for reduced surgical exposure, providing excellent suspension and clinical outcomes. Intra FCR loop should be preferred to improve post-surgical recovery.Level of evidenceLevel III study. This is a retrospective cohort study (written according to STROBE guidelines).

Trapeziometarpal joint arthritis in the young patient.

Initial management of symptomatic trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis is generally non-operative. Though the aetiology of trapeziometacarpal arthritis remains controversial, unrecognized joint incongruity in early-stage arthritis (Eaton stage 1 or 2) is likely to lead to progression of joint degeneration. In established arthritis, salvage procedures can successfully alleviate symptoms and return of function; however the long-term outcome of these procedures has not been determined, and this is of particular concern in the younger patient. Recognition of the joint incongruity in these patients with early-stage disease can lead to measures which may prevent or delay the progression of joint degeneration.Level of evidence: V.

Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis - imaging and implants: commentary and personal opinions.

Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis - imaging and implants: commentary and personal opinions.

Outcomes of suture-button suspensionplasty for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis

Outcomes of suture-button suspensionplasty for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis

Outcomes of Secondary Trapeziectomy Following Carpometacarpal Pyrocarbon Prosthetic Arthroplasty

Pyrocarbon implant hemiarthroplasty is a treatment option for select patients with trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis. The long-term revision rates after implant arthroplasty can be as high as 30%. Revision to trapeziectomy has been described for patients who require implant removal; however, few studies have assessed outcomes in patients in this subgroup. This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent the conversion of a pyrocarbon carpometacarpal implant to trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty from 2003 to 2019. Patients who met the criteria were then compared with a matched cohort who underwent primary trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty. Patients were matched based on the revision procedure, age, and duration of follow-up. Data regarding demographic information, range of motion, grip and pinch strengths, and the need for subsequent procedures were collected. Twenty-five patients underwent the removal of their pyrocarbon carpometacarpal implant. The patients underwent revision to Thompson suspensionplasty (n= 14), the Weilby procedure (n= 5), ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (n= 2), or a suture-based suspension procedure (n= 4). The age, sex, and preoperative range of motion and strength measures were similar between the 2 groups. All the patients complained of moderate-to-severe pain prior to surgery, which improved in both groups after surgery. Patients who underwent the removal of a pyrocarbon arthroplasty implant lost 6.4° of palmar abduction after surgery. The postoperative grip, opposition strength, apposition pinch strength, and radial and palmar abduction were similar between the 2 groups. The removal of a pyrocarbon carpometacarpal implant using subsequent trapeziectomy successfully relieves pain in patients in whom pyrocarbon arthroplasty has failed. After revision, patients may lose abduction motion but have similar strength compared with those who undergo primary trapeziectomy. Therapeutic III.

Dorsoradial Ligament Reconstruction in Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis.

The main purpose of the study is to present the alternative novel surgical technique in treating patients with trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis using dorsoradial ligament (DRL) reconstruction technique and report the clinical outcomes. Patients who were diagnosed with TMC joint arthritis and underwent DRL reconstruction were evaluated. Visual analog pain score; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score; grip, tip pinch, tripod pinch, and key pinch strengths along with range of motion of the thumb; and Kapandji score were recorded in the preoperative period and at follow-up. Stress examination was also performed under a fluoroscope. Eleven patients were included in the study. Median follow-up time was 13 months. At follow-up, postoperative visual analog scale and QuickDASH score improved in all patients. Grip, tip pinch, tripod pinch, and key pinch strengths also improved. The range of motion and Kapandji score were slightly improved compared with the preoperative period except for the thumb metacarpophalangeal flexion. Two patients had numbness at the thumb and spontaneously recovered after 3 months. According to recent evidence which proposed the importance of DRL in TMC joint stability, our DRL reconstruction technique may be an alternative treatment in treating patients presented with TMC joint arthritis. Further study with a longer follow-up period is needed.

Combined Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis and Scapholunate Advanced Collapse Wrist

The combined treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist presents unique challenges. The consequences of the loss of radial column support caused by scaphoidectomy and trapeziectomy are not well known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the simultaneous and staged treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and SLAC wrist. A retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for both trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and SLAC wrist was performed. The wrist and thumb range of motion; grip and pinch strength; pain; quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores; and radiographs were analyzed. Twenty-four patients who underwent both trapeziectomy and 1 of 3 procedures for SLAC wrist (4-corner fusion [n= 10]), proximal row carpectomy [n= 9], and total wrist arthroplasty [n= 5]) in a single stage (n= 10) or in 2 stages (n= 14) were included. The median age was 63 years. The median follow-up period was 35 months. Twelve (50%) patients underwent complete scaphoidectomy, and 12 (50%) patients underwent partial scaphoidectomy. All 3 procedures resulted in an improvement in pain at rest, pain during activity, and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. The final range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and complication rates were consistent with those reported in the literature for isolated procedures. Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and SLAC wrist may be treated either simultaneously or in stages. Therapeutic V.

Functional Recovery Following Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Patients undergoing surgery for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis require preoperative counseling on the expectations of surgery. This study aims to document the objective and functional recovery over the initial 12 months following trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition (LRTI). We prospectively followed 55 patients with symptomatic TMC joint osteoarthritis after trapeziectomy and LRTI. Patients were assessed on functional outcome measures, pain, and objective outcomes of grip, tip and key pinch strength, and range of motion. Outcomes were recorded preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Outcome measures of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and pain, improved significantly after surgery at each 3-month interval up to 9 months. Palmar and radial abduction were significantly improved compared to their preoperative ranges, but opposition was unchanged. Power grip significantly exceeded the preoperative strength at 6 months and further increased at 9 months. Tip pinch significantly exceeded the preoperative strength at 12 months. There was no difference in the key pinch strength compared to the preoperative strength. Over a follow-up period of 12 months, trapeziectomy and LRTI is an effective treatment in significantly reducing pain in 80% of patients. Although normal patient-reported outcome measures of DASH and PRWE are not regained, when compared to normative values, these measures are significantly improved; the improvement plateaus at 9 months. Patients can expect to attain 37% and 46% of their eventual measured DASH and PRWE scores, respectively, at 3 months, and 82% and 79% of their eventual measured DASH and PRWE scores, respectively, at 6 months. Grip strength exceeded the preoperative strength by 15% at 6 months and by 30% at 9 months. Tip pinch strength significantly exceeded the preoperative strength by 20% at 9 months. Therapeutic II.

Failed Trapeziectomy Treated by Thumb Metacarpal Base Arthrodesis: A Case Series.

Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis is a prevalent condition with a preponderance to women. Most cases are asymptomatic, but typical symptoms are pain, reduced dexterity, and functional decline. Trapeziectomy is the most common surgical treatment in the United Kingdom for patients who remain significantly symptomatic despite nonoperative measures, and this generally produces acceptable outcomes; however, a proportion of patients remain significantly symptomatic. The authors present a case series of 4 patients who underwent successful thumb metacarpal base to index metacarpal base arthrodesis with either distal radial or iliac crest bone grafting. Three of these patients had persisting symptoms after a primary trapeziectomy and 1 patient had gross subluxation of the thumb related to rheumatoid arthritis. Technically, this is a simple procedure to perform. All patients had improved symptoms with satisfactory functional outcomes and an improved cosmetic appearance of the hand.

Early to Mid-Term Results in Trapezio-metacarpal Joint Replacement using the ARPE Implant

Background: Trapezio-Metacarpal Joint (TMJ) arthritis is a common cause of radial sided wrist pain. After conservative measures have been exhausted, the current mainstay of surgical treatment is trapeziectomy. Some surgeons combine this with additional ligament reconstruction and tendon or capsular interposition techniques to provide a more stable base for the thumb metacarpal. Purpose: In modern Orthopaedic practice, arthroplasty is the procedure of choice for many end-stage arthritic joints. However, due to the reliable and reproducible outcomes of trapeziectomy, this has yet to be widely adopted by hand surgeons in the management of TMJ arthritis. Recent series of arthroplasty implants have consistently shown good outcomes and trapezio-metacarpal joint replacement has been observed to provide excellent long-term function in the fit and active patient. Methods: We have performed a total of 52 TMJ arthroplasties in 46 patients in our institution for over 5 years (2011 to 2016). After excluding 3 cases, 43 available patients (49 implants) were subsequently asked to submit QuickDASH scores and a patient satisfaction survey. Results: Average QuickDASH score was 16.6, with high patient satisfaction postoperatively at 1 year. Complications included one intraoperative fracture, and five cases of post-operative instability/ dislocation. Dislocations were treated successfully with open reduction and revision. Conclusion: TMJ arthroplasty has shown good outcomes and patient satisfaction with a low revision rate and we recommend its use in active patients with well-preserved scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) joints.

Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis: a personal approach to its treatment.

Many hand surgeons have fixed beliefs on how trapeziometcarapl (TMC) osteoarthritis should be treated. However, not all hand surgeons share the same fixed beliefs, so different factions of hand surgeons can hold contradictory beliefs. Many retain their fixed beliefs, rather than reconsidering them, when the best available evidence challenges them. The problem causing this heterogeneity of fixed beliefs is the lack of high-quality evidence that can withstand critical appraisal and cannot be ignored or simply dismissed by those with rigid contradictory beliefs. This article examines some of the dogmas surrounding the treatment of TMC osteoarthritis.

Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis: Is Duration of Symptoms a Predictor of Surgical Outcomes?

Great effort has been placed on determining the optimal surgical treatment for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis (TMA). However, a paucity of literature exists concerning the optimal timing of surgical intervention. We hypothesized that an increased duration of TMA symptoms before operative intervention would negatively affect surgical outcomes. We performed a retrospective review on 109 adult patients with 121 joints with symptomatic TMA treated with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition (LRTI) from 2006 to 2017. Outcome measures included Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, complication rates, and surgical revision rates. Among 109 patients, average QuickDASH score at initial presentation was 41.1 ± 17.9. Patients had symptoms of TMA for an average of 3.2 years (median, 2.1 years) before undergoing operative intervention. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with symptoms less than 2 years and those with symptoms greater than 2 years. Patients who underwent LRTI after less than 2 years of symptoms achieved a significantly greater degree of improvement in the QuickDASH score compared with patients with symptoms greater than 2 years (26.2 vs 5.3). Patients with less than 2 years of symptomatic TMA before LRTI can expect the greatest improvement in patient-reported disability impairment compared with those with more than 2 years of symptoms. This can be used to counsel patients regarding the optimal timing of surgery if nonsurgical treatment has failed to provide durable symptomatic relief. Therapeutic IV.

A registry based analysis of the patient reported outcome after surgery for trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate patient reported outcome measures (PROM) before and after trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis with special focus on possible differences due to gender, age and surgical method.MethodsData from the Swedish quality registry for hand surgery (HAKIR) was analyzed preoperatively, 3 months and 1 year postoperatively for 1850 patients (mean age 63 years, 79% women).ResultsOne year postoperatively, mean pain at rest was reduced from 50 to 12 of maximum 100. However, pain on load and weakness had not abated to the same extent (mean 30 and 34 of 100, respectively). The mean improvement in PROM did not differ between age groups or gender. The result was similar after trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (86% of the patients) and simple trapeziectomy but few patients were operated with the latter method.ConclusionPain on load and weakness remains to some extent 1 year after surgery for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis. The result is similar after trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition and the same improvement can be expected after surgery regardless of age and gender.

Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis: A retrospective study of the natural history of symptomatic thumb arthritis

Objective: Trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthritis is a common source of hand pain in patients presenting to the hand surgeon’s clinic. Long-term data on the natural history of symptomatic TM arthritis is lacking.Methods: We identified 251 patients with symptomatic TM arthritis and performed a retrospective chart review which identified treatment modalities (including surgery) and long term outcomes which were assessed via a telephone survey.Results: We found that of the 251 patients who presented with symptomatic TM arthritis, the 114 patients who had surgery had less pain and disability in the long term than those patients who were treated conservatively with splinting or injection (average pain score 1.8 vs. 3.8). However, the majority of patients did not ultimately undergo surgery.Conclusions: Although patients fare better from a pain and function standpoint with surgery, surgery is not inevitable.

Outcomes of Double-Mobility Prosthesis in Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis With a Minimal 3 Years of Follow-Up: An Advantage for Implant Stability.

Background: New generation of total trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis using double mobility concept has been used for several years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dislocation rate with this implant after a minimal 3 years of follow-up. Methods: From September 2013 to August 2015, 200 trapeziometacarpal prostheses were implanted in 179 patients. Clinico-radiological follow-up was performed with an average of 48.2 months (36-60 months). Survival rate and dislocation rate were analyzed. Loosening of the implants and other intercurrent events were noticed. Results: Visual analog scale, Quick-DASH, strengths and range of motion improved significantly. We report a survival rate of 97% with only 0.5% of dislocation of prosthesis at 48 months of follow-up. Intercurrent events rate were similar to the ones found in literature or other studies. Conclusions: After a minimal of 3 years of follow-up, prosthesis with double mobility seemed to bring better stability in implant for thumb prosthetic replacement.

Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Corticosteroid Intra-Articular Injections for the Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Various systematic reviews have recently shown that intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (IA-PRP) can lead to symptomatic relief of knee osteoarthritis for up to 12 months. There exist limited data on its use in small joints, such as the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) or carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) of the thumb. A prospective, randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial of 33 patients with clinical and radiographic osteoarthritis of the TMJ (grades: I-III according to the Eaton and Littler classification) was conducted. Group A patients (16 patients) received 2 ultrasound-guided IA-PRP injections, while group B patients (17 patients) received 2 ultrasound-guided intra-articular methylprednisolone and lidocaine injections at a 2-week interval. Patients were evaluated prior to and at 3 and 12 months after the second injection using the visual analogue scale (VAS) 100/100, shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Q-DASH), and patient's subjective satisfaction. No significant differences between the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of the 2 groups were identified. After 12 months' follow-up, the IA-PRP treatment has yielded significantly better results in comparison with the corticosteroids, in terms of VAS score (P = 0.015), Q-DASH score (P = 0.025), and patients' satisfaction (P = 0.002). Corticosteroids offer short-term relief of symptoms, but IA-PRP might achieve a lasting effect of up to 12 months in the treatment of early to moderate symptomatic TMJ arthritis.