Arthroscopic management of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis of the thumb

Open partial trapeziectomy and interpositional arthroplasty have proven to be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of carpometacarpal joint arthritis of the thumb. Surgical technique of arthroscopic partial resection of the trapezium and interpositional arthroplasty is described. Thirty-three interpositional arthroplasties were carried out arthroscopically. Autogenous tendon graft, Gortex (WL Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ) and fascia lata allograft were used as interpositional material; 87.8% of patients got relief from pain. Average postoperative pinch strength was 11 Ibs. No ligament reconstruction was required because the capsule was left intact. The procedures were done on an outpatient basis and all patients were discharged the same day. There were no complications associated with radial sensory nerve.