title: Treatment of idiopathic postmenopausal osteoarthrosis of the trapeziometacarpal joint with the Epping resection arthroplasty technique.
abstract: Surgical treatment of idiopathic postmenopausal osteoarthrosis of the trapeziometacarpal joint with the Epping resection arthroplasty was performed in 57 cases in 49 women. Data show good pain relief (between 58% and 76%), very good subjective results with 89% patient satisfaction and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) scores in the lower third of the scale after 35 months' follow-up. Good functional results with respect to radial abduction (51 degrees) and palmar flexion (45 degrees), as well as improvement in strength measurements, could be achieved. Some patients (13%) reported remaining problems with occasional pain during performance of activities of daily life and work. A significant proximal metacarpal migration (31%) without correlation to objective or subjective outcome was found. The Epping procedure has proven to be a valuable alternative procedure to treat idiopathic postmenopausal trapeziometacarpal arthrosis after a midterm follow-up period. Still, careful patient selection is important and sufficient preoperative information necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Plastic and Hand Surgery of the University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
authors.forename: Erhan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Demir
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wittemann
authors.forename: Günter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Germann
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sauerbier
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery