Thumb metacarpophalangeal capsulodesis: an adjunct procedure to basal joint arthroplasty for collapse deformity of the first ray.

Thirteen patients had thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) capsulodesis in conjunction with basal joint arthroplasty. The indication for capsulodesis was an MP hyperextension deformity of at least 30 degrees. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months, and the average follow-up was 39 months. Nine patients had an excellent result, three had a good result, and one patient had a result that was rated as fair. Ten patients had complete correction of the MP hyperextension deformity. The average increase in pinch strength was 50%. This procedure enhances the result of a basal point arthroplasty by improving the transmission of force along the thumb ray and by correcting the metacarpal collapse, which produces dorsal subluxation stress on the metacarpotrapezial joint.