Meniscal allograft arthroplasty for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthritis of the thumb

BACKGROUND: Arthritis at the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb is common. Several surgical options exist showing favorable results. We report the outcomes after interposition of allograft knee meniscus for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis. METHODS: Twenty-three patients (25 thumbs) had surgery for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis using knee meniscal allograft tissue. Eleven thumbs had a minimum follow-up of 24 months, 2 thumbs had a minimum of 12 months, and 12 thumbs had less than 6 months. Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, pain levels, grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion, and radiographic measurements were performed. RESULTS: Between the preoperative and 24-month follow-up measurements, patient pain levels were reduced. There was a significant improvement in DASH scores. Comparisons between preoperative and postoperative strength measurements showed increase in grip strength and key pinch strength. Trapeziometacarpal subsidence was 5.5 %, and subluxation index measurements decreased 3.9 %. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of foreign body reaction and no other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The results of meniscal allograft arthroplasty are comparable to other surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal arthritis with respect to pain, outcomes, strength, oppositional motion, complications, surgical time, cost, and return to work. The results suggest that meniscal allograft arthroplasty is a viable option in the surgical management of stages II and III arthritis of the TM joint. Further follow-up and clinical studies are warranted.