Various arthroplasty procedures have been described for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of patients treated with trapeziectomy and a variation of abductor pollicis longus suspension arthroplasty.
Eighteen consecutive patients were treated by a single surgeon (K.C.C.) with trapeziectomy and abductor pollicis longus suspension arthroplasty (21 thumbs). Prospective outcomes data were collected before the operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Outcomes were assessed with x-rays, grip/key pinch strength, the Jebsen-Taylor test, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire.
Immediately after surgery, a 32 percent loss in carpometacarpal joint height was observed and an additional 11 percent proximal metacarpal migration was observed at 1 year. The mean grip strength was 11.1 kg preoperatively and 7.7, 14.3, and 16.7 kg at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, respectively. Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire results demonstrated improvements in all domains. Statistically significant improvements were noted in the domains of overall score, from 41 to 67 (p = 0.03); activities of daily living, from 43 to 66 (p = 0.01); work, from 41 to 65 (p = 0.05); patient satisfaction, from 25 to 68 (p = 0.01); and pain, which decreased from 73 to 30 (p < 0.01).
Abductor pollicis longus suspension arthroplasty is a faster and technically easier technique that avoids any additional deficit by using an accessory tendon. This procedure gives acceptable patient-rated outcomes, especially in pain relief and satisfaction.