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Ligament Reconstruction with or without Tendon Interposition to Treat Primary Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

A Prospective Randomized Study

¹ City Medical Center, Bauernmarkt 1/16, A-1010 Vienna, Austria. E-mail address: cmc{at}aon.at
² Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics (G.P. and R.G.) and I. Department of General Orthopaedics (E.F.), Orthopaedic Hospital Speising, Speisinger Strasse 109, A-1134 Vienna, Austria
³ Department of Orthopaedics, Herz-Jesu-Hospital, Baumgasse 20A, A-1030 Vienna, Austria

Investigation performed at the I. Department of General Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Hospital Speising, Vienna, Austria

The authors did not receive grants or outside funding in support of their research or preparation of this work. They did not receive payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, educational institution, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the authors are affiliated or associated.

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Methods: Forty-three patients (fifty-two thumbs) were randomized to undergo either trapezial excision with ligament reconstruction or the same procedure combined with tendon interposition. Fifteen patients treated with ligament reconstruction (group I) and sixteen patients treated with the same procedure with concomitant tendon interposition (group II) were evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 48.2 months. The outcomes were assessed with the Buck-Gramcko score, with the total score calculated on the basis of the objective and subjective results. The ability to perform activities requiring use of the thumb and to return to work was analyzed as well. Radiographs were evaluated to determine the amount of proximal metacarpal migration at rest and under stress.

Results: Postoperatively, the mean total Buck-Gramcko score was rated as excellent in group I and as good in group II (p = 0.036). Group I had significantly better mean scores for palmar and radial abduction, cosmetic appearance, and willingness to undergo the surgery again under similar circumstances (p < 0.05). The mean scores for tip-pinch strength and the mean subjective scores for pain, strength, daily function, dexterity, and overall satisfaction did not differ significantly between the groups. Both groups had satisfactory results with regard to their performance of activities of daily living and their ability to return to work. With the numbers available, the amount of proximal metacarpal migration, at rest and under stress, did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions: Tendon interposition does not affect the outcome after the ligament reconstruction for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. Furthermore, proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal does not appear to influence the functional outcome.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level I-1a (randomized controlled trial [significant difference]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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				A. E. Van Heest and P. Kallemeier Thumb Carpal Metacarpal Arthritis J. Am. Acad. Ortho. Surg., March 1, 2008; 16(3): 140 - 151. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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