Simple trapezectomy for treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb.

This is a review of 20 patients (22 operations) with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint who were treated by simple trapezectomy without interposition material. They were all women with a mean age of 60 years (46-77). The average follow-up was 2 years, ranging from 8 months to 3 years. Pain relief is the main contributor to the good clinical results of this procedure. Sixteen patients professed to be very satisfied, two had a fair result and four cases claimed to be unsatisfied. Range of motion (opposition and counter opposition) and first web space were very well preserved. Mean values of grip strength showed reduction of grip power on the operated side though not statistically. However, we did find a statistically significant difference in pinch strength between operated and non-operated side. In general, simple trapezectomy is our preferred surgical therapy in the treatment of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in the elderly population.