Labriola JE, Smith MP, Merrell GA. Return to Sports and Recreational Activities Following Arthroplasty of the Basal Joint of the Thumb: A Retrospective Review.
J Hand Surg Glob Online 2024;
6:31-34. [PMID:
38313611 PMCID:
PMC10837297 DOI:
10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.08.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Arthroplasty of the basal, or carpometacarpal, joint of the thumb has been shown to decrease pain, improve strength, improve range of motion, and allow return to work. This study sought to assess whether basal joint arthroplasty also allows for a return to sports and recreational activities.
Methods
A survey assessing participation in sports and recreational activities, timing of return to play after surgery, enjoyment, and the presence of pain and limitations was mailed to patients who had undergone an arthroplasty of the basal joint of the thumb over a 3-year period.
Results
Of the 333 patients who underwent thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty, met the criteria, and responded, 73% were able to successfully return to sports and recreational activities, with decreased pain and at the same or increased level of play, frequency of participation, and level of enjoyment for their sport or recreational activity. Patients were more likely to successfully return to sports and recreational activities if they had undergone surgery on their nondominant hand, did not stop their sport or recreational activity before surgery, were able to return within 9 months of surgery, and reported no postoperative limitations. Successful return to sports and recreational activities was not related to age, sex, surgeon, level of play, or the type of sport or recreational activity.
Conclusions
Most patients who replied to our survey reported successful return to sports and recreational activities after arthroplasty of the basal joint of the thumb.
Type of study/level of evidence
Prognostic IV.
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