[Treatment of osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb by ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty].

Total trapezium resection and palmar oblique ligament reconstruction combined with tendon interposition arthroplasty using the entire flexor carpi radialis tendon were performed in 21 patients (23 thumbs) who developed advanced osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint. All patients were females and the age ranged from 42 to 73 years. Good results were achieved in 21 thumbs. These procedures improved pinch and grip strength and restored the thumb web space. No deterioration of function, instability or pain has been noted over the time.