ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2006 February;57(1):11-5

Copyright © 2006 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Arthritis of the thumb basal joint: review of 34 cases treated by trapeziectomy and Ceruso’s arthroplasty

Mazzone V., Ramini F.

U. O. di Ortopedia, Ospedale Mazzoni ASUR Marche Z.T.13, Ascoli Piceno

Aim. The aim of this paper is a critical survey of our experience in 34 patients operated for arthritis of the thumb basal joint by trapeziectomy and arthroplasty according to Weilby’s procedure modified by Ceruso.
Methods. From 1998 up to now, 62 patients (11 males and 51 females, aged 48-77 years) have been treated by tendon interpositional arthroplasty according to Weilby’s technique modified by Ceruso. Due to the lapse of time necessary for an appropriate follow-up, patients operated during the last 2 years have been excluded from controls. Therefore, out a total of 42 patients enrolled in the study, only 34 patients (5 males and 29 females, aged 48-74 years) have been examined with a follow-up of 2-7 years.
Results. Middle term results of the operation have been very good. Patients which were interviewed reported that they were mainly well satisfied. Pain has been reported frequently in the first 2 months after operation. It seems related to slight final adjustements of the tendinoplasty.
Conclusion. As it can be easily found in the most recent literature, the experience of the authors demonstrates that tendon interpositional arthroplasty after excision of the trapezium can be considerated a first choice solution for treatment of the arthritis of the trapezio-metacarpal joint. This statement is confirmed by the most recent literture on the topic.