Stabilization of the pre-arthritic trapeziometacarpal joint using ligament reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Trapeziometacarpal pre-arthrosis is a common condition with only limited therapeutic possibilities. Eaton and Littler designed a tendon stabilization.


METHODS
A series of 21 thumbs with painful carpometacarpal joints, treated with a ligament reconstruction according to Eaton and Littler, is described. Three failed and further surgery was required. The outcome of 18 is evaluated. There were 11 women, 7 men with a mean age of 33.7 years, all having stages I or II of osteoarthritis. Six (30%) had a traumatic event in their history.


RESULTS
In the early stages of degenerative osteoarthritis, the overall outcome was good with a mean DASH score of 23.2. The carpometacarpal joint was stable but a 43% progression of radiographic osteoarthritic deterioration of the joint occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Stabilization of a painful pre-arthritic trapeziometacarpal joint is useful and reliable. A traumatic instability had worse results and probably is a contraindication to this technique.
Van Giffen
N
N
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, U.Z. Pellenberg, Weligerveld 1, 3212 Lubbeek, Pellenberg, Belgium.
Van Ransbeeck
H
H
De Smet
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013933:Thumb / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome