Thumb metacarpophalangeal arthritis: arthroplasty or fusion?

The human thumb assumes 50% of the workload of the human hand, and is therefore the most important digit. As such, the thumb has a propensity for the development of osteoarthritis. Moreover, the thumb is also often diseased, in anywhere from 68% to 80%of patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. Much attention over the years has been given to the carpalmetacarpal joint of the thumb, whereas the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the thumb remains largely unstudied. The purpose of this article is to review the etiology of thumb MP joint arthritis, and discuss the different treatment options of this condition.