Painful basal joint arthritis of the thumb. Part II: Treatment.

Treatment of arthritis of the basal joint has evolved from resection of the trapezium, to joint replacement, to reconstruction of the lost anterior oblique ligament. These, along with other operative options, will be discussed in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of each will be presented. The complications of earlier methods of management have allowed refinements in surgical intervention. It is these improvements that have allowed the clinician to more reliably treat the arthritic thumb carpometacarpal joint.