Excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb.

We assessed the results of 86 trapeziectomies in 83 patients. Simple excision of the trapezium was performed in 54 thumbs. This was combined with shortening of the abductor pollicis longus tendon in 14 thumbs and with soft-tissue interposition and/or ligamentous reconstruction in 17 thumbs. 88% of the patients were satisfied with the result, 76% had relief of pain and 74% had no functional disability. The subjective results achieved with the three different techniques were similar. Clinical assessment of 57 thumbs revealed no statistical difference in web span, thumb adduction-flexion, key pinch and grip strength between the three operative procedures, nor in comparison with the non-operated contralateral hand.