title: The gap after trapeziectomy: a prospective study.
abstract: Thirteen patients with basal joint arthritis of the thumb were treated by simple trapeziectomy. All patients underwent radiological assessment pre-operatively and at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Special standardised views were taken to assess changes in the 'trapezial gap'. Collapse of this was noticed up to 4 weeks following surgery but no significant change occurred thereafter. In respect of this collapse, prolonging immobilisation after 4 weeks is probably unnecessary.
authors.affiliation: Kent & Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK. rahijanwar@aol.com
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anwar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Nicholl
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050824:Carpal Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D051222:Trapezium Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D051223:Trapezoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology