Arthroplasty for fifth carpometacarpal joint arthritis.

Background Fifth-carpometacarpal (CMC)-joint fractures and dislocations can produce carpometacarpal joint arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of arthroplasty for fifth carpometacarpal joint arthritis. Material and Methods A series of six patients who had symptomatic advanced fifth-CMC arthritis and had failed to respond to conservative treatment. All patients underwent Dupert's technique of fifth-CMC arthroplasty with a mean follow-up of 17.6 months. Results were reviewed clinically and radiographically. Results Union between the fourth and fifth metacarpals was observed at an average of 6.2 weeks after surgery. Grip strength improved. Range of motion (ROM) of the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and the fifth metacarpal height remained unchanged. Visual analog scale (VAS) results improved significantly. Conclusion Despite the medium-term follow-up and small number of patients, our results suggest fifth-CMC arthroplasty with arthrodesis of the fourth and fifth metacarpal bases may be a reliable procedure for fifth-CMC arthritis.