Tendon suspension sling arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint: long-term follow-up.

Twenty-two tendon suspension sling arthroplasties for thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis were reviewed. Age at operation ranged from 53 to 74 years (average, 65 years); 20 of the 22 patients were women. The average follow-up period was 101 months (range, 63-139 months). At the final follow-up, 18 of 22 thumbs were painless. Grip and side pinch measurements averaged 98% and 79% of unaffected opposite sides, respectively. Range of motion at the trapeziometacarpal joint improved, and the average shortening of the trapezial space was 6.4 mm. Function was improved in all cases. The long-term results show that tendon suspension sling arthroplasty is a useful surgical procedure and an attractive alternative to existing tendon interposition arthroplasty with ligament reconstruction.