Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint with the use of the full thickness of the flexor carpi radialis tendon

Arthroscopic Partial Trapeziectomy for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: 5-Year Follow-up

Osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the most common type of arthritis of the hand. The goal of the study was to evaluate clinical results and radiographic changes after arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy combined with ligament shrinkage and K-wire fixation to treat thumb CMC joint arthritis. From February 2013 to March 2014, 24 patients with thumb CMC joint arthritis received this arthroscopic procedure. We investigated the preoperative and postoperative Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; radiographic changes; and associated complications. Sixteen patients completed 5 years of functional score and radiographic follow-up. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative MMWS and DASH scores showed significant improvement after the arthroscopic procedure. Pre-operative and postoperative evaluation of radiographic changes showed significant differences in the CMC joint distance, scaphoid-metacarpal distance, trapezium-metacarpal distance, and metacarpal prominence distance. This arthroscopic procedure is an effective and less invasive method for the treatment of CMC joint arthritis. This procedure can improve clinical function, preserve the mechanical height of the trapezium, and increase CMC joint space. We report our surgical technique and some pitfalls that required attention during the arthroscopic procedure. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):e140-e147.].

[Resection arthoplasty of the trapezium with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition and variations]

OBJECTIVE

Creation of a pain-free, flexible and stable (pseudo) joint between the carpus and the base of the 1st metacarpal bone.

INDICATIONS

Painful carpometacarpal (CMC)‑I joint due to primary or secondary osteoarthritis, CMC‑I instability.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Carpal instability, local infection, tumors.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Resection of the trapezium (and of the arthritic joint surfaces in CMC‑I and STT [scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid-joint]), stabilization of the base of the 1st metacarpal bone by suspension with a distally pedicled strip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon or variants thereof.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Immobilization in a splint for 3-5 weeks, followed by hand therapy.

RESULTS

Worldwide for almost 40 years, regardless of the exact technique, almost always (90%) significant pain reduction, increased strength in the grip and slightly less in the pinch grip, very good mobility, 85-95% very satisfied patients and very good long-term results.

Thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty and trapeziectomy using a tenodesis screw compared to ligament reconstruction

This study aimed to compare the results of patients treated with a thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) suspension arthroplasty using an interference screw technique with patients that were treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients over 18 years old who required surgical treatment for thumb CMC joint arthritis treated by a single surgeon. Patients included in the study followed the same preoperative and postoperative protocol. Information related to functional outcomes was collected (pinch and grip strength, pain, Kapandji score, proximal migration of first metacarpal bone). One hundred and five patients were included, 77% were female, age at the time of the study was 62.7 years old; 74 (70%) patients were treated with the tenodesis screw (TS) technique and 31 (30%) with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction (TZLR). Patients were followed for a mean of 8.4 months. Postoperative pain was 1.2 in the TS group and 0.6 in the TZLR group; Kapandji score was 8.3 in the TS group and 9 in the TZLR group; in the TS group, the grip strength was 26.2kg and key pinch strength was 6.15kg; in the TZLR group, grip strength was 12.8kg and key pinch strength was 4.7kg. Proximal migration was 0.4cm in the TZLR group and 0.6cm in the TS group. The use of tenodesis screw and half of the flexor carpi radialis had minor advantages, such as increasing the grip and key pinch strength without differences relative the non-operated thumb, minimal migration of the first metacarpal bone compared with the other technique.

Postoperative follow-up time and justification in prospective hand surgery research: a systematic review

We systematically reviewed prospective studies for five hand procedures to analyse postoperative follow-up time, clinical or radiographic plateau, and whether the authors provide justification for times used. Demographic data, outcomes and mean follow-up were analysed. A total of 188 articles met our inclusion criteria. The mean postoperative follow-up time among these studies were carpal tunnel release, 21 months (range 1.5-111); cubital tunnel release, 27 months (2.5-46); open reduction and internal fixation for the distal radius fracture, 24 months (3-120); thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty, 64 months (8.5-228); and flexor tendon repair, 25 months (3-59). Authors provided justification for follow-up intervals in 10% of these reports. We conclude that most prospective clinical studies in hand surgery do not properly justify follow-up length. Clinically unnecessary follow-up is costly without much benefit. In prospective research, we believe justified postoperative follow-up is essential, based on expected time to detect clinical plateau, capture complications and determine the need for secondary surgery.Level of evidence: III.

Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Interposition Arthroplasty Using the Palmaris Longus Tendon: An Average 5-Year Follow-up

Background

Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) with the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon is one of the most common procedures for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. We modified the LRTI, using the palmaris longus (PL) tendon instead of the FCR tendon. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy with our modified LRTI procedure at a mean follow-up of 5 years.

Methods

Fourteen thumbs in 13 patients (12 women) with a mean age of 64 years (range, 50 to 77 years) were available for assessment for a mean duration of 62 months (range, 41 to 97 months). The patients were evaluated subjectively and objectively.

Results

The modified LRTI procedure provided good pain relief, motion, strength, and stability without any severe complications related to the PL tendon harvesting. Radiography showed that compared to the preoperative status, the trapezial space decreased by about 40% at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

The modified LRTI procedure provided significant subjective and objective improvements without severe complications particularly related to the harvesting of the PL tendon. This procedure is a valuable surgical option for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and could be a useful salvage modality if the FCR tendon ruptures during the conventional LRTI procedure.

Trapeziectomy With Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty With the Entire Width of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon

The original Burton-Pellegrini technique used to treat trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis suggests the use of half of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) width to reconstruct the ligament and perform the tendon interposition arthroplasty. In our study, unlike the original technique, we used the full thickness of the FCR and evaluated a sample of 100 thumbs (95 patients) preoperatively and postoperatively, with a mean follow-up of 36 months. According to the Eaton classification, 1 thumb was grade II, 81 were grade III, and 18 were grade IV. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 62.4 years. The finger-tip pinch improved by 46.3%, the key pinch improved by 34.5%, the grip strength improved by 50.8%, and the Kapandji test improved by 7.4%. Pain measured with visual analog score improved by 78.8%. The self-administrated questionnaires DASH and PRWHE were completed postoperatively from 2006 to 2012, because the Italian version of PRWHE was not yet validated: the postoperative DASH and PRWHE were, respectively, 9.9 and 10.5. No complications such as metacarpal subluxation of the thumb, impingement, fracture of the first metacarpal base, or a decrease in the wrist function were found in our population after surgical treatment. Therefore, according to our series, this variation of the original Burton-Pellegini surgical technique provides pain relief, stability, and mobility of the thumb without any morbidity caused by the full harvest of the FCR tendon.

Abductor pollicis longus tendon interposition for arthrosis of the first carpo-metacarpal joint. Long-term results

Background

We performed an interposition arthroplasty using the abductor pollicis longus tendon for arthrosis in the basal joint of the thumb that needed surgery from 1995 to 2010. In 2001 47 patients (55 thumbs) were reviewed after 3.5 (1–5) years. The pain relief was excellent in 32 thumbs, and 25 patients improved their ability to perform daily tasks. Mobility was well preserved. Key pinch and grip strengths averaged 78 % and 89 %, respectively, of those in unaffected hands. We have now re-examined all 33 available patients (36 thumbs) 11–14 years after surgery.

Methods

Fourty one of the originally examined patients were still alive. Seven were too ill to attend a follow-up and one refused. The remainder were examined in a fashion as similar as possible to that at the original review. The patients’ subjective estimations of pain during the last week and satisfaction with the cosmetic and general results were recorded on visual analogue scales. The patients’ ability to perform various activities of daily living were recorded and they completed the Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. The mobility of the wrist and abduction of the thumb of the operated hands were recorded with a goniometer. Grip and pinch strength were measured and new radiographs were obtained.

Results

Key pinch strength had increased significantly over the last 10 years. The mobility was still good, except for thumb abduction, which had decreased with time. The median DASH score had fallen from 28 to 20 between the two reviews. There was insignificant further median loss of distance between the scaphoid and the metacarpal since the earlier review.

Conclusions

The good results of this procedure found soon after surgery are maintained long-term.

Slip abductor pollicis longus suspension tendinoplasty for management of trapezio-metacarpal joint osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

Trapezio-metacarpal (TM) joint arthritis is a common cause of pain and functional disability of the hand. The ideal surgical procedure for TM joint osteoarthritis is still controversial. The aim of the current study is to assess the outcome of complete trapezial excision and abductor pollicis longus tendon interposition arthroplasty in the treatment of TM osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Twenty patients (16 women and 4 men) were prospectively enrolled in the current study with average age of 51.5 years (36-64). All patients had complete trapezial excision and abductor pollicis longus tendon interposition arthroplasty with minimum follow-up of 24 months.

RESULTS

At final follow-up there was significant improvement as regard pain, range of motion, and functional assessment scores. Pre-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain improved from 6.2 (±1.54) to 1.1 (±0.97), and the average Quick DASH Score improved from 47.6 (±8.81) points pre-operatively to 13.6 (±5.46) points post-operatively. The mean pre-operative Buck-Gramcko score system improved from 21 (±6.2) points to 41.5 (±7). The average post-operative satisfaction score was 9.1(±2.1), with all the patients somewhat satisfied and recommending operation to other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The total trapeziectomy tendinoplasty with suspension and interposition using the abductor pollicis longus is a reliable procedure for the treatment of TMJ osteoarthritis, providing satisfactory functional results.

A novel use for suture button suspension: reconstruction of the dorsal ulnar ligament to treat thumb metacarpal dislocation

There are numerous treatment algorithms that have been developed to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. A newer treatment option for these patients is CMC stabilization using suture button suspensionplasty. The authors of this case report have extensive experience with the suture-button suspensionplasty using the Mini TightRope CMC technique (Arthrex). We present a novel usage of the suture-button suspensionplasty to reconstruct the dorsal ulnar ligament (in contrast to the usual reconstruction of the volar beak ligament) to treat a patient with persistent thumb metacarpal dislocation at the CMC joint. Two separate patients are presented. One patient demonstrates volar beak ligament instability, and the other demonstrates dorsal ulnar ligament instability. Both patients' demographics and operative indications are described. The operative technique for the novel usage of the suture-button suspensionplasty is described. Operative results of the dorsal ulnar ligament reconstruction are reviewed. After suture-button suspension of the thumb metacarpal to the trapezium, the dorsal ulnar ligament has been reconstructed. The patient demonstrated stability of the thumb CMC joint without dorsal or radial dislocation. The authors of this case report present a novel usage of the suture-button suspensionplasty to treat a patient with proximal thumb metacarpal dislocation at the trapezial-metacarpal interface. This method, in contrast to the referenced method of volar beak ligament reconstruction, allows reconstruction of the dorsal ulnar ligament. This allows stabilization of the joint by preventing dorsal and radial dislocation of the metacarpal.