Treatment of arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint with trapeziectomy and hematoma arthroplasty.

Trapezial excision is a simple and effective method of treating painful TM arthritis. Recent studies, as well as the authors' experience, suggest that the results of this procedure, in the short-term, provide equivalent pain relief compared with other, more complex techniques requiring tendon interposition and ligament reconstruction. Trapezial excision and hematoma arthroplasty is now the authors' procedure of choice for treating painful arthritis at the base of the thumb, regardless of Eaton stage. Long-term prospective comparison of trapezium excision alone and LRTI arthroplasty may help determine whether the additional strength gains accompanying the latter are associated with increased patient satisfaction, in high-demand patients.