title: Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: surgical technique and results of "stabilized resection-arthroplasty".
abstract: Since 1973, 212 hands of 179 patients with disabling trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis were treated with resection-arthroplasty stabilized by capsuloplasty and intermetacarpal ligament construction; 159 patients (180 hands) could be followed up (average, 7.8 years; range, 1 to 17.3 years). Pain relief was excellent in 89%, good in 10%, and fair in 1%. Patients were "delighted" (78%), "satisfied" (18%), "indifferent" (2%), or "disappointed" (2%) with their functional results. Palmar abduction improved 25%. The tip of the thumb reached the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint in 97% of the hands. Grip strength improved 29%; key pinch, 19%; pulp pinch, 24%. First metacarpal was stable in 94% of the cases. Scaphometacarpal space averaged 5.5 mm. There were three complete failures (2%); complications were mild and infrequent. Because of its good, predictable results, "stabilized resection-arthroplasty" is our preferred surgical treatment for osteoarthritic trapeziometacarpal joints.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgical Service, Buenos Aires University Medical School, Argentina.
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Uriburu
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Olazábal
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciaffi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery*