Carpometacarpal osteo-arthritis of the thumb

Abstract

Thirty-three operations performed for the relief of painful carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb between 1958 and 1966 at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, have been reviewed. The results of 6 arthrodeses of the carpometacarpal joint and 27 trapeziectomies are given. Both procedures gave relief of pain and restoration of function in the majority of patients. Power of grip was retained following arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint, but most patients who had weakness of grip after trapeziectomy had improved function due to pain relief. Fifty-four per cent of patients had arthritis of significant degree in the trapezioscaphoid joint as well as the carpometacarpal joint. The indications for arthrodesis and trapeziectomy are considered in the light of the radiological findings.