Partial Versus Total Trapeziectomy With Interposition Arthroplasty for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis Grade II to III Eaton-Littler: A Clinical Trial

PURPOSE: Total trapeziectomy is the most widely used technique to treat isolated thumb trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. However, this technique has been associated with proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal, which has led some physicians to consider partial trapeziectomy as a valid alternative. The purpose of this study was to assess whether partial trapeziectomy improves final key pinch strength compared with total trapeziectomy. METHODS: We randomized 34 patients with basal thumb osteoarthritis into 2 groups to undergo partial or total trapeziectomy with interposition arthroplasty. Key pinch strength at 12 months was the primary outcome measure. Other variables measured included trapezial space height, range of motion, grip strength, change in key pinch strength, patient-reported outcome measures, and pain. RESULTS: No difference between groups was detected regarding final pinch strength, trapezial space height, grip strength, range of motion, change in pinch strength, patient-reported outcomes (Quick–Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, or Hand), or pain. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot conclude that partial trapeziectomy provides an advantage over total trapeziectomy at 1 year after surgery. Although trapeziometacarpal space was substantially preserved in the partial trapeziectomy group at 12 months, this difference was not statistically or clinically significant. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.