Comparison of arthrodesis and arthroplasty of Chinese thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis is very common. Multiple methods are used to treat progressive thumb CMC osteoarthritis, among which trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis and trapezial excision with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) are the most common. These two surgical treatment methods have received mixed reviews in previous studies in the west patients. This retrospective study studied the effects, advantages, and disadvantages of arthrodesis and arthroplasty for treating thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in Chinese patients. METHODS: Between February 2012 and September 2017, 39 Chinese patients with stage II or III thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis underwent surgery (trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis in 22, trapezial excision with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition in 17). Postoperative objective and subjective evaluations were performed. The objective evaluation involved grip strength, pinch strength, thumb abduction degree (palmar and radial), and Kapandji opposition scores. The subjective evaluation involved visual analog scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. RESULTS: Intergroup differences in pinch strength, thumb abduction degrees (palmar and radial), and Kapandji opposition scores were obvious, whereas those in grip strength, VAS score, and DASH score were not. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients, both techniques relieved pain and improve grip strength. Arthrodesis displayed better pinch strength, while arthroplasty displayed better motor function. Patients were satisfied with the effects of both techniques.