Abstract
We performed ligament reconstruction arthroplasty for 13 thumbs with osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint. One patient was male and 12 were female, with an age range of 52-78 (mean 63.8) years. The follow-up period was 5-43 (mean 20) months. The operation procedure was based on the method described by Burton and Pellegrini, but tendon interposition was not performed. At final follow up, three joints had mild pain after strenuous work, and one joint had slight difficulty with the use of a kitchen knife, but all patients were satisfied with the operative outcome. Range of motion and key pinch strength were improved. The average trapezoidal space was decreased from 7.7mm to 6.9mm, but there was no significant difference. Shortening of the trapezoidal space was not related to clinical outcome. We conclude that ligament reconstruction arthroplasty is useful for osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of thumb, although tendon interposition is not indispensable.
