Meniscal Allograft Arthroplasty For The Treatment Of Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis Of The Thumb
Purpose: To evaluate the surgical use of meniscal allograft tissue as a spacer and stabilizer of the trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint in the thumb.
Summary:
- 25 consecutive thumbs had surgery for stage III TM arthritis using meniscal tissue
- Pre-operative pain levels were significantly reduced, 91% exhibited no pain or mild pain at final follow-up. This is similar to reports for other techniques.
- All previously employed patients returned to their occupations without any restrictions within 3-6 months after surgery
- Significant improvement in DASH questionnaire (Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand) scores from pre-op to final follow-up
- Increase in grip strength and key pinch strength
- May not cause adjacent foreign body reactions as sometimes happens when using a synthetic implant
Take Away: The results of this technique are comparable to other available surgical techniques. Using a meniscus for the surgical management of stage II or III TM joint arthritis should be considered a viable option.
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Authors: Paul S. Shapiro, Edward Diao, Lynn M. Givens
Published: "Meniscal Allograft Arthroplasty For The Treatment Of Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis Of The Thumb". Hand. 2015 Sep; 10(3): 407–416.