title: Distraction arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint.
abstract: Trapeziometacarpal distraction arthroplasty is a surgical technique for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis. It consists of distracting the first metacarpal and then anchoring it in suspension to the second metacarpal by means of a tendon graft. Both a reduction of the subluxation of the base of the first metacarpal and an opening or distraction of the trapeziometacarpal joint, with a clear decrease in the forces of attrition on its joint surfaces, are thereby obtained. Compared with the traditional techniques of arthroplasty, this technique avoids trapeziectomy; it is therefore less destructive and is quicker and easier to carry out. It appears to be equally effective regarding pain, correcting the deformity, and recovering grip strength.
authors.affiliation: Day Surgery Center Maurizio Bufalini, Florence, Italy; University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bufalini
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perugia
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000379:methods*; D052737:Carpometacarpal Joints / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation; D051222:Trapezium Bone / Q000601:surgery*