Comparative Study of Trapeziectomy with Weilby Suspensionplasty versus Implant Arthroplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis in an Asian Population.

This retrospective study compares the outcomes of trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty procedure versus implant arthroplasty using the TOUCH prosthesis for basilar thumb arthritis in an Asian population. A total of 15 consecutive thumbs in 13 patients were included in this study. Six patients (2 male, 4 female, mean age of 62 years old) underwent trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty procedure. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age 63 years old) underwent implant CMCJ arthroplasty using the TOUCH prosthesis. Data collected include demographics, severity of arthritis on plain radiographs of the thumb basilar joint, length of follow-up, pre- and postoperative pain levels, Kapandji thumb opposition score, grip and pinch strength and the time taken to return to work. Patients in the trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty group had a mean follow-up of 4.5 months, while those in the TOUCH implant arthroplasty group had a mean follow-up of 14 months. TOUCH implant arthroplasty patients showed significantly higher grip strengths at 3 months post-surgery and a shorter return to work. There were no differences in pinch strength at 3 months, pinch or grip strength at 6 months or pain scores. Complications included prolonged scar hypersensitivity in two patients who underwent the Weilby suspensionplasty and a dislocated TOUCH implant cup in one patient. Our study suggests that in the short term, CMCJ implant arthroplasty with the TOUCH prosthesis produces results comparable to trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty. Level III (Therapeutic).