PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and determine the efficacy of an alternative ligament reconstruction technique in patients with a symptomatic trapezial-metacarpal joint associated with subluxation and early or limited chondral damage. METHODS: This retrospective, nonrandomized study was composed of 6 patients, all women with ages between 31-46 years, treated by arthroscopic evaluation and reconstruction of the intermetacarpal and reverse anterior oblique ligament of the trapezial-metacarpal joint, using a strip of flexor carpi radialis tendon. Evaluation at an average follow-up of 18 months (range,12-28 mo) consisted of interview, examination, and computed tomography. RESULTS: The visual analog pain score, preoperative rest pain, and activity pain improved significantly after surgery. Tip and lateral pinch strength measured 92% compared to the contralateral thumb, and computed tomography showed improved alignment of all joints. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ligament reconstruction using the technique described reduced pain, increased strength, and improved the trapezial-metacarpal joint alignment in patients with early symptomatic trapezial-metacarpal joint osteoarthritis associated with joint subluxation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and determine the efficacy of an alternative ligament reconstruction technique in patients with a symptomatic trapezial-metacarpal joint associated with subluxation and early or limited chondral damage. METHODS: This retrospective, nonrandomized study was composed of 6 patients, all women with ages between 31-46 years, treated by arthroscopic evaluation and reconstruction of the intermetacarpal and reverse anterior oblique ligament of the trapezial-metacarpal joint, using a strip of flexor carpi radialis tendon. Evaluation at an average follow-up of 18 months (range,12-28 mo) consisted of interview, examination, and computed tomography. RESULTS: The visual analog pain score, preoperative rest pain, and activity pain improved significantly after surgery. Tip and lateral pinch strength measured 92% compared to the contralateral thumb, and computed tomography showed improved alignment of all joints. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ligament reconstruction using the technique described reduced pain, increased strength, and improved the trapezial-metacarpal joint alignment in patients with early symptomatic trapezial-metacarpal joint osteoarthritis associated with joint subluxation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.