Basal metacarpal osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the thumb.

Thumb metacarpal extension osteotomy provides effective treatment for the hypermobile trapeziometacarpal joint consistent with Eaton stage 1 disease. This procedure is a useful alternative to Eaton ligament reconstruction. Clinical outcomes are favorable and, should symptoms persist, the procedure does not jeopardize satisfactory execution of trapezial resection arthroplasty in the future.