Ligament Reconstruction with Trapezium Retention Arthroplasty

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a qualitative and quantitative assessment of results in a consecutive series of patients with carpometacarpal arthritis using a trapezium-retaining interposition arthroplasty. Methods: Between 1999 and 2002, 16 patients with basal joint arthritis were treated with a trapezium-retaining interposition arthroplasty. Fourteen of these patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 20 months (minimum, 12 months) and were compared based on clinical outcome, presurgical and postsurgical x-ray evaluation, and range of motion, grip-strength, and pinch-strength values. Results: Average trapezial height values as quantified by the trapezial space to proximal phalanx ratio were very similar before and after surgery. Average grip-strength values improved significantly. Although average pinch-strength and average range of motion values improved neither of these comparison values were significant. Thirteen of the 14 patients (93%) were satisfied with their results as quantified by postsurgical Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. Conclusions: Ligament reconstruction with trapezium retention arthroplasty of the basal joint not only successfully maintains trapezial height but also yields patient satisfaction rates comparable to those achieved with other forms of basal joint arthroplasty.