title: Tendon interposition arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb.
abstract: Arthrosis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb is a predictable sequelae of ligament laxity. A new technique of tendon interposition arthroplasty with ligament reconstruction using the flexor carpi radialis tendon for a painful arthritic trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb is described. Twenty-one patients had 25 operative procedures; 14 were women and seven were men. All of the patients presented with intractable pain, crepitus, and varying degrees of laxity of the basal joint. Pinch strength was diminished. Follow-up averaged 37 1/2 months. After surgery, 91.7% of patients had good to excellent results, and 56% were completely pain free. Range of motion and grip and pinch strengths were equal on the operated and unoperated sides.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D013933:Thumb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*