Pyrocardan® implant arthroplasty for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

Many surgical procedures are available for treating trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to analyze the mid- to long-term outcomes of 103 pyrocarbon interposition arthroplasties in the TMC joint with Pyrocardan® implant performed prospectively in a single center to treat painful early stage OA. There were 96 patients with a median age of 59 years. Twenty-eight percent of patients were manual workers and 39% had a fixed dislocation of the first metacarpal. Fifteen percent of patients were 50 years old or more. After a minimum follow-up of 5 years, there was a marked improvement in the pain level (0.6/10), QuickDASH (9/100) and PRWHE (4/100) scores and strength (key pinch 8kg, grip strength 27kg). There were no differences in strength or range of motion compared to the opposite side. Four patients underwent revision surgeries. Two of them were converted to trapeziectomy. The 5-year implant survival rate was 96.2%. Dislocation of the first metacarpal was completely corrected in 80% of cases. Younger patients (≤50 years old) had slightly better outcomes than older ones. Overall satisfaction rate was 96%. Pyrocardan® interposition implant arthroplasty is a reliable alternative to trapeziectomy, total arthroplasty or fusion of the TMC joint especially for young, active patients.