Arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and tendon interposition for thumb carpometacarpal arthritis

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to introduce arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and tendon interposition for the treatment of symptomatic thumb carpometacarpal arthritis of Eaton stage II or III. METHODS: From August 2001 to April 2009, 23 patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis were treated using this technique. Pain score, range of motion, and pinch strength were clinically evaluated and compared with the preoperative values after a minimum follow-up duration of 24 months. RESULTS: Significant reduction in pain score and increases in range of motion and pinch strength were found (all p < 0.001) after a 2-year follow-up. The mean ± SD (median) postoperative pain score was 1.0 ± 0.7 (1.0) at rest and 1.3 ± 0.9 (1.0) during daily activities. The postoperative range of motion was 19.1° ± 4.2° (20°) for extension and 35.7° ± 7.1° (35.0°) for flexion, and the postoperative pinch strength was 86.5 % ± 19.9 % (90.0 %). No complications were observed in our patient series. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and soft tissue interposition could be an alternative treatment method for patients with symptomatic thumb carpometacarpal arthritis of Eaton stage II or III.