Distraction arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint.

Trapeziometacarpal distraction arthroplasty is a surgical technique for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis. It consists of distracting the first metacarpal and then anchoring it in suspension to the second metacarpal by means of a tendon graft. Both a reduction of the subluxation of the base of the first metacarpal and an opening or distraction of the trapeziometacarpal joint, with a clear decrease in the forces of attrition on its joint surfaces, are thereby obtained. Compared with the traditional techniques of arthroplasty, this technique avoids trapeziectomy; it is therefore less destructive and is quicker and easier to carry out. It appears to be equally effective regarding pain, correcting the deformity, and recovering grip strength.