[Comparison of treatment techniques of rhizarthrosis of the thumb. Apropos of a series of 98 cases].

We compared 3 methods of treatment of trapezometacarpal arthritis: partial trapezectomy with Ashworth Blatt interposition and total trapezectomy with either Swanson spacer or anchovy procedure. Out of a series of 85 patients (98 operations), 52 (62 operations) were reviewed by an independent observer after a mean follow-up of 5 years. Silicone spacers were frequently complicated by subluxation, fragmentation and silicone synovitis. All procedures were effective on pain and mobility. Best results on strength were observed after trapezectomy with anchovy interposition and ligamentoplasty.