Conjoined Free Fibula Transplantation and First Carpometacarpal Joint Prosthesis for Functional Thumb Reconstruction—A Case Report

Abstract

Background Giant cell tumors grow locally invasive with osseous and soft tissue destruction, requiring wide resection to avoid recurrence. Stable reconstruction of the first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) joint remains a challenge due to its high range of mobility. The latter is of paramount for the functionality of the hand. Purpose Therefore, the aim of this study was to report our approach for a combined reconstruction of the first metacarpal and the CMC-1 joint. Methods A 58-year-old woman underwent wide resection of a benign giant cell tumor at the base and shaft of the first metacarpal of the left thumb. Because of the loss of the CMC-1 joint and the instability of the thumb, an osseous reconstruction using a vascularized fibular graft combined with a TOUCH Dual Mobility CMC-1 prosthesis was performed to reconstruct the CMC-1 joint. Results Osseous healing was observed after 3 months. No tumor recurrence and good joint function were documented at the follow-up investigation after 1 year. The patient reported only minor restrictions during activities of daily living. Thumb opposition was possible with a Kapandji score of 8/10. A slight pain while walking remained as a donor-side morbidity at the right lower leg. Conclusion Metacarpal reconstruction with vascularized fibula bone grafts allowed a combined joint reconstruction with a commercially available prosthesis, which is an approach to restore the complex range of motion of the thumb.