title: [Short term results of total carpometacarpal joint replacement surgery using the ARPE implant for primary ostearthritis of the thumb].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We have reviewed the short-term results of the ARPE arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint for osteoarthritis of the thumb.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and eighteen patients have been operated on in our department between June 1999 and June 2003, by the same surgeon. Sixty-three of these patients had been followed for a minimum of six months and were included in this retrospective study. We have evaluated functional results as pain, key-pinch, mobility and patient satisfaction. The occurrence of complications was investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of this procedure were found to be excellent for pain, mobility and strength. Recovery was judged fast and patient satisfaction was high. The most frequent complication was implant luxation in six cases. Implant loosening was seen in three.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Functional results of this type of arthroplasty are excellent. We consider it to be superior to trapeziectomy for recovery (rehabilitation is unnecessary) and strength. Most common complications have a relatively simple surgical solution. Trapeziectomy remains possible thanks to a minimal shortening of the metacarpal bone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ARPE arthroplasty can be considered as a good surgical option for treatment of thumb osteoarthritis. A longer follow up is necessary to predict the long-term behaviour of the prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Centre de chirurgie de la main et de microchirurgie, SOS. Main Bruxelles, clinique du Parc-Léopold, 38, rue Froissart, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgique. jpbrutus@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Brutus
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kinnen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome