Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition: a minimum 10-year follow-up.

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term (> 10 yrs) outcomes of trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI).

METHODS

We reviewed 15 cases of trapeziectomy with LRTI performed for the treatment trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Mean follow up was 13.5 yrs (range, 10.5-17.5 yrs). We assessed a number of subjective and objective outcomes. A good outcome was a participant who did not require revision surgery, was satisfied with the outcome of their surgery and did not experience rest pain.

RESULTS

No patients had revision surgery and only two patients were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Pain with activity was the strongest predictor of participant satisfaction.

DISCUSSION

Approximately half the participants in this study experienced good long-term outcomes. Some participants were experiencing long-term symptoms, particularly pain, despite reporting that they are satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Alternative techniques should be investigated that provide superior long-term outcomes.