Purpose: Trapeziectomy remains the surgery of choice in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Some authors consider the collapse of the trapezial space responsible for a loss of strength and intracarpal deformities. We report our experience of partial trapeziectomy with chondrocostal autograft as an interposition material.
Methods: The study included100 thumbs in 82 patients with a mean age of 64.6 years (47-82). Mean follow-up was 68 months (4-159). Partial trapeziectomy was carried out through a dorsal approach. The graft was harvested through a direct approach of the 9th rib.
Results: Our results were similar to those obtained with alternative techniques, except for strength where the gain is improved. No intracarpal deformities were seen. There was no sign of graft wear; the length of the thumb ray is preserved. The results are stable over time, and the morbidity of the costal donor site is negligible. The interposition of a hardwearing biological material and its association with partial trapeziectomy enable to restore the thumb stability and strength.
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