Minimal invasive treatments such as arthroscopic techniques may be adequate to restore the anatomy and functional integrity of the thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) joint. In this paper, we reported the interposition of autologous fat tissue in combination with arthroscopic synovectomy/debridement for early stage of the thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis. Twelve patients with a mean age of 46 years with early radiological stages of thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis were included. Evaluation of outcome was measured prior and 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery including, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), QuickDASH, grip and pinch strength, range of motion (ROM), and patient satisfaction. Pain at rest (or with load) was reduced from preoperative 4,7 (8,7) to 2 (5,9) at 3 to 6 months; 1,4 (4,3) at 12 months; and 0,75 (2,7) at 2 years after the surgery. Initial preoperative QuickDASH value of 52 points reduced to 33 (17-65) at 6 months, 23 (2-70) at 12 months, and 20 (11-29) at 24 months after the surgery. Grip strength and thumb pinch with respect to the contralateral untreated thumb was reduced in the first 12 months but recovered subsequently. ROM was equal to the contralateral thumb. Three patients suffered from tendinitis and required surgical treatment. One patient indicated prolonged pain symptoms. No infections were noted and no donor-site morbidity or side effects were detected. Arthroscopic synovectomy combined with autologous fat graft is a reliable surgical option for early thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis and that effect continues for more than 24 months.

Background Comorbidity in the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) of the thumb, i.e., hyperextension or ulnar collateral instability, could affect the outcome of arthroplasty in the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCj). Objective In a retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of arthrodesis of the MCPj for thumbs with unstable MCPj and simultaneous ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty for the CMCj in terms of strength, function, and patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods A total of 69 thumbs treated with a LRTI arthroplasty of the CMCj were included. In 14 of those cases, an arthrodesis of the MCPj was performed as well. In 12 thumbs, both procedures were done simultaneously; in one case MCPj arthrodesis followed LRTI arthroplasty, whereas one patient already had MCPj arthrodesis at time of LRTI arthroplasty. Those 14 thumbs were compared with the control group of 55 thumbs who had only undergone LRTI. At a mean follow-up of 4 to 5 years (mean 54 [10–124] months) postoperative assessments included range of motion (ROM) of the CMC, MCP, and interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb, as well as any instability of the MCPj. Pinch and grip strength were examined, also the visual analogue scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, QuickDASH, PRWE-Thumb, and the Kapandji's Opposition Score. Radiologically, proximalization of the first metacarpal bone was measured. Student's t-test was used to determine significance, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Additional arthrodesis of the MCPj provided no significant difference of function in thumbs that only had a hyperextension-instability. However, in thumbs with marked ulnar instability, stronger pinch-grip was obtained with arthrodesis, compared with only LRTI. Conclusion In patients with advanced painful thumb CMCj osteoarthritis, we recommend (simultaneous) arthrodesis of the MCPj, to allow a stable thumb grip if there is additional marked ulnar collateral ligament instability. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective comparative study.

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