The classic: Radiography of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Degenerative changes of this joint. 1936

Metacarpal and Phalangeal Malunions-Is It all About the Rotation?

Metacarpal and phalanx fractures are common injuries that can often be managed nonoperatively with satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, loss of normal finger alignment including malrotation and severe angulation as well as intra-articular deformities can lead to functional deficits which may benefit from operative intervention. There are numerous surgical options to correct malunions and the correct choice varies based on the injury pattern, concurrent injuries/complications, and surgeon's preference. While these surgeries can be technically demanding, successful treatment can lead to good results with satisfactory deformity correction and patient function.

Influence of the anatomy of the proximal articular surface of the trapezium (PAST) and the trapezoidal articular surface of the trapezium (TRAST) in cup placement during trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty

The influence of the anatomy of the proximal articular surface of the trapezium (PAST) and the trapezoidal articular surface of the trapezium (TRAST) on cup placement during trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty was retrospectively evaluated on 56 preoperative anteroposterior radiographs of patients who underwent surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The percentage coverage of the prosthetic cup by the PAST and the available height of the trapezium were calculated. In 39% of cases, there was a significant difference (up to a mean 4.5 mm, p < 0.001) between the radial height of the trapezium (which is usually considered) and the available height of the trapezium. The anatomy of the PAST and the TRAST has an impact on the placement of the prosthetic cup when trapezium height is low. The results of the present study suggest that these considerations must be known by all operators performing trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty; that lateralization, implant suspension, or surgical alternatives should be considered to prevent several intra- and postoperative surgical complications. Level of evidence: IV.

Quantitative bone single-photon emission CT/CT parameters reflect pain and functional status of symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess arthritis of the basal joint of the thumb quantitatively using bone single-photon emission CT/CT (SPECT/CT) and evaluate its relationship with patients' pain and function.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients (53 hands) with symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb between April 2019 and March 2020. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, grip strength, and pinch power of both hands and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores were recorded for all patients. Basal joint arthritis was classified according to the modified Eaton-Glickel stage using routine radiographs and the CT scans of SPECT/CT, respectively. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) from SPECT/CT was measured in the four peritrapezial joints and the highest uptake was used for analysis.

RESULTS

According to Eaton-Glickel classification, 11, 17, 17, and eight hands were stage 0 to I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The interobserver reliability for determining the stage of arthritis was moderate for radiographs (k = 0.41) and substantial for CT scans (k = 0.67). In a binary categorical analysis using SUVmax, pain (p < 0.001) and PRWHE scores (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in hands with higher SUVmax. Using multivariate linear regression to estimate the pain VAS, only SUVmax (B 0.172 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.065 to 0.279; p = 0.002) showed a significant association. Estimating the variation of PRWHE scores using the same model, only SUVmax (B 1.378 (95% CI, 0.082 to 2.674); p = 0.038) showed a significant association.

CONCLUSION

The CT scans of SPECT/CT provided better interobserver reliability than routine radiographs for evaluating the severity of arthritis. A higher SUVmax in SPECT/CT was associated with more pain and functional disabilities of basal joint arthritis of the thumb. This approach could be used to complement radiographs for the evaluation of patients with this condition. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1380-1385.

Primary endoprosthetic replacement of the arthritic CMC-1 joint

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC)-1 joint is a common condition that can cause significant pain and functional problems. When nonoperative management fails, surgery may be indicated. Resection of the trapezium, often combined with soft tissue stabilization, is still considered the gold standard. But recovery time is often prolonged and a significant number of patients remain unsatisfied in the long term. Knowing that total endoprosthetic joint replacement is one of the most successful achievements of orthopedic surgery, many attempts have been made to produce a replacement for the CMC‑1 joint that provides a better outcome than trapeziectomy.

INDICATIONS

Eaton-Glickel stage 2-3 CMC‑1 osteoarthritis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Symptomatic pan-trapezial osteoarthritis (Eaton-Glickel stage 4), infection, young manual worker, poor bone quality or insufficient trapezium size.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

A dorsoradial approach to the CMC‑1 joint is used. Minimal resection of the trapezial and metacarpal articular surfaces, including osteophytes and loose bodies. Reaming of the trapezium and broaching of the metacarpal stem with dedicated instruments. Implantation of the endoprosthetic components. Selection of the correct neck length to ensure a stable joint. Closure of the capsule and skin.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Immobilization of thumb for 2 weeks in a splint. Followed by a removable thumb CMC brace for 4 weeks, starting with gentle mobilization exercises. No forceful gripping or pinching the first 6 weeks.

RESULTS

A specific design-the uncemented, ball in socket, metal on polyethylene total joint replacement-has stood the test of time and successful long-term clinical and radiographic outcome results have been published. Recent comparative trials have shown better pinch strength, better pain relief and faster functional recovery, when compared to trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition. The incidence of complications such as dislocation, polyethylene wear and cup loosening is acceptable.

Thumb Carpometacarpal Suspension Arthroplasty With Flexor Carpi Radialis Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition Using An Absorbable Interference Screw: A Volar Approach Technique

The goal of operative intervention for pantrapezial arthritis is to relieve pain, maintain or improve motion, stability, and strength, and restore function. The purpose of this article is to present a volar approach to thumb carpometacarpal suspension arthroplasty using an absorbable interference screw for flexor carpi radialis ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition in the treatment of pantrapezial arthritis. This technique allows for visualization of the volar beak and avoidance of the radial artery and the branches of the superficial radial nerve while allowing optimal surgical manipulation for suspensionplasty with interference screw fixation and tendon interposition at the carpometacarpal joint.

The peritrapezial view: New radiograph for evaluating joints around trapezium

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to present a new radiograph of peritrapezial view and examine whether this view could supply clear and reliable radiographs of the joints around trapezium.

METHODS

The radiographs of peritrapezial and Robert views were taken on both hands of the 30 healthy volunteers (15 men and 15 women). The four peritrapezial joints were evaluated by two trained hand surgeons to find out whether these views could clearly show the joint spaces around the trapezium. Intra- and interobserver agreement for evaluation of each joint space and the ratio of joints which both of the two observers rated as clear joint space were compared between peritrapezial and Robert views.

RESULTS

The κ values of inter- and intra-observer reliability were, respectively, 0.559 and 0.715 in peritrapezial view and 0.462 and 0.355 in Robert view. The ratios of joints, which both of the two observers rated as clear joint space in each of the two time evaluations, were slightly higher in peritrapezial view than Robert view for the thumb carpometacarpal (100% vs. 96.7%) and scaphoid-trapezium joints (100% vs. 93.3%). In addition, these ratios were significantly higher in peritrapezial view than Robert view for the trapezium-index metacarpal (90.0% vs. 46.7%, p < 0.001) and trapezium-trapezoid joints (93.3% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The peritrapezial view clearly shows the joint spaces around the trapezium. This view showed better inter- and intra-observer reliability for peritrapezial joints than Robert view especially in trapezium-index metacarpal and trapezium-trapezoid joint. This radiograph could provide a preliminary step for evaluating and managing pathologies of the peritrapezial joints.

Assessment of osteoarthritic features in the thumb base with the newly developed OMERACT magnetic resonance imaging scoring system is a valid addition to standard radiography

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the construct validity of the new thumb base OA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system (TOMS) by comparing TOMS scores with radiographic scores in patients with primary hand OA.

DESIGN

In 200 patients (83.5% women, mean (SD) age 61.0 (8.4) years), postero-anterior radiographs and MR scans (1.5 T) of the right first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joints, were scored using the OARSI atlas and TOMS, respectively. The distributions of the TOMS scores (specified in results section) were stratified for the OARSI scores of corresponding radiographic features and investigated using boxplots and non-parametric tests. Furthermore, Spearman's rank or Phi correlation coefficients (ρ/φ) were calculated.

RESULTS

For all features, especially for erosions and osteophytes, the prevalence found with MRI was higher than with radiography. TOMS osteophyte and cartilage loss scores differed statistically significant between corresponding OARSI scores in CMC-1 (0 vs 1; 1 vs 2). TOMS scores were positively correlated with radiographic scores in CMC-1 for osteophytes (coefficient [95% confidence interval], ρ = 0.75 [0.69; 0.81]), cartilage loss/joint space narrowing (ρ = 0.70 [0.62; 0.76]), subchondral bone defects (SBDs)/erosion-cyst (ρ = 0.41 [0.29; 0.52]), bone marrow lesions (BMLs)/subchondral sclerosis (ρ = 0.65 [0.56; 0.73]) and subluxation (φ = 0.65 [0.57; 0.73]); and in STT for osteophytes (ρ = 0.30 [0.17; 0.42]) and cartilage loss/joint space narrowing (ρ = 0.53 [0.42; 0.62]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with hand OA, TOMS scores positively correlated with radiographic scores, indicating good construct validity. However, the prevalence of features on MR images was higher compared to radiographs, suggesting that TOMS might be more sensitive than radiography. The clinical meaning of these extra MR detected cases is currently still unknown.

Current trends in the management of trapeziometacarpal arthritis

The purpose of this update is to report on a variety of topics related to trapeziometacarpal arthritis that have been recently investigated. The keyword trapeziometacarpal arthritis was utilized to query the PubMed database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. From the resulting list, papers published from the beginning of April 2014 through the beginning of April 2017 were reviewed. The forty-five studies identified are reviewed here and referenced.

Early osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is not associated with joint instability during typical isometric loading

The saddle-shaped trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint contributes importantly to the function of the human thumb. A balance between mobility and stability is essential in this joint, which experiences high loads and is prone to osteoarthritis (OA). Since instability is considered a risk factor for TMC OA, we assessed TMC joint instability during the execution of three isometric functional tasks (key pinch, jar grasp, and jar twist) in 76 patients with early TMC OA and 44 asymptomatic controls. Computed tomography images were acquired while subjects held their hands relaxed and while they applied 80% of their maximum effort for each task. Six degree-of-freedom rigid body kinematics of the metacarpal with respect to the trapezium from the unloaded to the loaded task positions were computed in terms of a TMC joint coordinate system. Joint instability was expressed as a function of the metacarpal translation and the applied force. We found that the TMC joint was more unstable during a key pinch task than during a jar grasp or a jar twist task. Sex, age, and early OA did not have an effect on TMC joint instability, suggesting that instability during these three tasks is not a predisposing factor in TMC OA.

Radiographic Assessment of the Robert and Lateral Views in Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthrosis

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Robert view in assessing trapeziometacarpal arthrosis and to compare the accuracy of the Robert and lateral views in staging trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthrosis.

Methods: Patient demographics were obtained. Four participating raters reviewed 62 randomly selected thumb x-rays of patients presenting with thumb TM joint pain. Lateral and Robert-hyperpronation views were assessed using an analysis of 13 criteria.

Results: X-rays of 62 thumbs for 58 patients were evaluated. The average patients' age was 64 (47-87) and 51 (80%) were females. The majority of X-rays evaluated fell into stage 3. Stage 2 was the second most common level of arthritis encountered and the least was stage 1. More osteophytes were encountered in the trapezium than metacarpal on both the Robert and lateral views. The Robert view was superior in detecting osteophytes on the trapezium than the lateral view. Osteophyte size varied from 1.7 to 2 mm. The lateral view displayed 61 cases with dorsal metacarpal subluxation (98%). The Robert view displayed 48 cases (77%) with radial metacarpal subluxation and 9 cases (15%) with ulnar metacarpal subluxation. Thumb metacarpal adduction deformity was encountered on the lateral view in 20 cases (32%) whereas on the Robert view it was encountered in 14 cases (23%). Subchondral sclerosis was encountered on the Robert view in 56 thumbs (90%) while it was seen on the lateral view in 52 thumbs (84%). Pantrapezial arthritis involving the STT joint was encountered equally in 16 cases (26%) on the Robert view and the lateral views. The study found a moderate level of interrater reliability on both the lateral and Robert views. With the exception of osteophytes encountered on the trapezium versus the metacarpal, there were no other statistically significant findings.

Conclusions: This study confirms that each of the Robert and lateral views offer unique information and combining both views enhances the ability to assess radiographic disease severity, and should be the recommended set of X-rays for assessing TM osteoarthrosis.

Correlation of clinical disease severity to radiographic thumb osteoarthritis index

PURPOSE

To determine if a slight modification of the 1987 Eaton-Glickel staging and interpreting 4 standardized radiographs for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis (OA) improved analysis, to determine if a quantifiable index measurement from a single Robert (pronated anteroposterior) view enhanced reproducibility, and to examine whether improved radiographic staging correlated to clinically relevant disease and thus support validity.

METHODS

We analyzed 4 thumb radiographs (posteroanterior, lateral, Robert, and stress views) in 60 consecutive subjects representing an adult population spectrum of asymptomatic to advanced disease. Two experienced hand surgeons (A.L.L. and A.P.C.W.), 1 chief resident (A.J.B.), and 1 medical student (J.M.M.) performed the analysis on each subject's radiographs. We analyzed all 4 radiographs for Eaton and modified Eaton staging and then later analyzed only the Robert view for the thumb osteoarthritis (ThOA) index measurement. The radiographs were randomized and reread a week later for each classification at separate times. Surgically excised trapeziums from 20/60 subjects were inspected for first metacarpal surface disease and correlated to the 3 classifications.

RESULTS

All 3 staging classifications demonstrated high reproducibility, with the intraclass correlation coefficient averaging 0.73 for the Eaton, 0.83 for the modified Eaton, and 0.95 for the ThOA index. Articular wear and metacarpal surface eburnation correlated highest to the ThOA index, with advanced disease 1.55 or greater correlating to Eaton III/IV and modified Eaton stage 3/4 in a linear relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The ThOA index based on a Robert view provided a measurable alternative to Eaton staging and correlated to severity of surgically relevant thumb TMC OA.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A simple reproducible radiographic measurement may enhance TMC OA classification and provide a reliable means to predict clinical disease.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic II.