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Innovations in the Treatment of Hand and Elbow Arthritis. Trapezium-Sparing Options for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis
Am J Orthop. 2008 August;37(8):8-11
Author and Disclosure Information
Julie E. Adams, MD, Scott P. Steinmann, MD, and Randall W. Culp, MD
Dr. Adams is Hand Surgery Fellow, Philadelphia Hand Center and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Steinmann is Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgery of the Hand, Shoulder, and Elbow, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Dr. Culp is Hand Surgeon, Philadelphia Hand Center, and Professor of Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis is a common condition, particularly in middle-aged women. There are many treatment options, ranging from joint arthroplasty to arthrodesis to arthroscopic débridement. Trapezium preservation has been increasingly recognized as desirable for maintaining length of the digit and strength in pinch and grasp. In this article, we review trapezium sparing options for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis. These techniques allow surgeons to recontour or resurface the arthritic joint. Joint stability is critical to long-term success.