Long-Term Evaluation Following Partial Trapeziectomy and Suspension Arthroplasty for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: An Observational Study

Purpose: Partial trapeziectomy is performed to decrease the risk for first ray collapse. However, the incidence of scaphotrapezoidal (ST) joint osteoarthritis (OA) in the presence of advanced trapeziometacarpal joint OA is around 40%. The purposes of this study were to analyze the progression of the ST joint after partial trapeziectomy and to establish the potential link between radiographic findings and patient outcomes. Methods: We reviewed a series of 22 patients (26 thumbs) with base of the thumb OA who underwent partial trapeziectomy and interposition arthroplasty. Standardized radiographs of the ST joint were classified by 2 independent observers. Measured outcomes were pain, mobility (degrees of abduction, Kapandji score, and anteversion [in centimeters]), force (in kilograms]) and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score. Results: Median follow-up was 8 years. The modified Eaton–Glickel scale was used to rate the degree of ST joint arthritis: 2 thumbs were classified as grade 1, 11 as grade 2, 12 as grade 3, and 1 as grade 4. No parameters analyzed demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between patients’ outcomes and joint radiographic arthritis. Conclusions: Our study cannot demonstrate that the radiographic presence of ST arthritis correlates with the patient’s main symptoms after partial trapeziectomy. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.