Trapeziectomy With Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition Versus a Trapeziometacarpal Prosthesis for the Treatment of Thumb Basal Joint Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Numerous surgical procedures have been described to treat trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, but no approach is currently considered superior. Good long-term outcomes have been reported with multiple procedures. No studies have been published comparing outcomes of the Arpe joint replacement (Biomet, Valence, France) with those of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) using the Burton-Pellegrini technique. The study objective was to compare clinical outcomes between these techniques. Sixty-five patients with Eaton stage III osteoarthritis of the thumb were included in this retrospective follow-up study. Patients were assigned to LRTI (LRTI group) or total joint replacement (Arpe group) and were followed for a mean of 4.8 years. The LRTI group included 34 patients and the Arpe group included 31. Clinical outcome variables were determined preoperatively and every 6 months postoperatively. Pain relief and functional improvement were similar between groups. Pinch strength and range of motion were superior in the Arpe group. Metacarpophalangeal hyperextension appeared to be prevented in the Arpe group but increased over the follow-up period in the LRTI group. However, the complication rate was higher in the Arpe group. Arthroplasty with the Arpe prosthesis can be considered in selected patients who require greater strength and range of motion, although it has been associated with a higher complications rate. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(4):e681-e686.].