Current status of metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty and basilar joint arthroplasty of the thumb.

MP joint arthroplasty finds its widest application in the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. With only minor design modification over the years, the Silastic MP joint space is a predictable, durable device with reasonable longevity. In contrast, reconstruction of the CMC joint of the thumb relies primarily on soft tissue reconstruction with arthroplasty techniques having limited applications.