Trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement using the Steffee prosthesis.

The first forty-five Steffee trapeziometacarpal total joint replacements that were used to treat severe trapeziometacarpal arthritis in thirty-eight patients were analyzed retrospectively. The length of follow-up ranged from two through six and one-half years. Forty-two of the arthroplasties resulted in relief of pain, and the restoration of strength and motion was highly satisfactory. Although radiographs showed a high incidence of asymptomatic radiolucent lines at the bone-cement interface of the trapezial component, only three patients had symptomatic loosening. We concluded that trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement can provide good relief of pain and restore function of the thumb to patients with severe trapeziometacarpal arthritis, although further study is necessary to assess the long-term results of the procedure.