Carpometacarpal Joint Pathology in the Thumb and Hand: Evaluation and Management of Difficult Conditions

Abstract

Thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty with complete trapeziectomy with or without suspensionplasty, ligament reconstruction, and/or tendon interposition is largely considered equivalent techniques in providing pain relief and improving function for patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. In cases of continued pain, instability, and dysfunction following an index surgery, one must first identify the cause of failure. Any options for revision surgery depend on addressing the specific cause of persistent symptoms with awareness of available options. Most of the patients undergoing revision surgeries can achieve good to fair outcomes.

Keywords: Arthroplasty; Carpometacarpal arthritis; Impingement; Instability; Revision; Subsidence; Trapezium; Trapezoid.