Targeted Partial Arthroscopic Trapeziectomy and Distraction: Surgical Technique

Basal joint osteoarthritis is a real public health problem, yet there is no consensus on its treatment. Although total trapeziectomy, as well as arthroplasty, provides long-lasting efficacy, it does not seem to be adapted to a young population with complications that are often very difficult to manage. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, there is a real interest in finding conservative therapeutic alternatives for young subjects that allow them to “pass a painful milestone” and, thus, postpone the least conservative interventions. This article details the surgical technique of an arthroscopic and conservative technique: The Targeted Partial Arthroscopic Trapeziectomy and Distraction based on two goals: targeted resection of painful arthritic lesions and distraction of the joint to restore ligament tension and hopefully regrow fibrocartilage on resected lesions.