Failure of artelon interposition arthroplasty after partial trapeziectomy: a case report with histologic and immunohistochemical analysis.

Artelon is a degradable biomaterial used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. The device reportedly works through 2 modes of action-stabilization of the carpometacarpal joint by augmentation of the joint capsule and by formation of a new articular surface at the trapeziometacarpal interface. We present a patient with late failure of arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and Artelon interposition that required surgical excision of the Artelon implant and trapeziectomy 4 years postoperatively. Gross and histologic evaluation of the explanted Artelon implant and remaining trapezium revealed lack of articular resurfacing by hyaline ingrowth.