Outcomes of trapeziectomy with ligamentoplasty for trapeziometacarpal arthritis with and without metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension

Abstract

In a retrospective study, we compared trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction for trapeziometacarpal arthritis in 32 patients with and in 43 patients without metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension between 2009 and 2018. Pain scores, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and grip and pinch strengths were assessed before operation and 12 months postoperatively. Patient overall satisfaction was recorded. Preoperatively, patients with metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension had significantly weaker grip and pinch strength, but similar baseline pain and disability scores. At 12 months after surgery, the strength had improved in both patient groups but was still significantly weaker in patients with metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of mean improvement in strength, overall satisfaction, pain or disability. We conclude from these findings that patients with trapeziometacarpal arthritis, with and without metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension deformity, have similar improvement in symptoms and hand function after trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction.