Excision of the Trapezium

Early versus late mobilisation after simple excision of the trapezium.

We randomly selected 39 patients undergoing excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint into two groups, with mobilisation either at one or at four weeks after operation. The patients were reviewed at a median of six months (6 to 8). The clinical details, the severity of the disease and the preoperative clinical measurements of both groups were similar. Excis...

Excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb.

We have assessed the results of 34 simple excisions of the trapezium, with no additional soft-tissue procedures, in 30 patients. At a median follow-up of five years (2 to 22), 16 thumbs (47%) were completely painfree and a further 10 (29%) were slightly painful after use. Nineteen thumbs (56%) had no functional disability, but thumb-pinch strength was reduced by about 20%. No patient had painfu...

Excision of the trapezium and interposition arthroplasty with gelfoam for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Excision of the trapezium with Gelfoam interposition was performed in 35 thumbs, 34 of which were evaluated after an average 5 years. Twenty-four patients had unilateral procedures. The follow-up examination included a standardized questionnaire and clinical and radiological examinations. Pain relief was achieved in all cases. The patients considered that 32 of their operated hands had improved...

Excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the trapezio-metacarpal joint.

Isolated dislocation of the trapezium.

A 31-year-old housewife attended the Accident and Emergency Department of the Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, having fallen and injured her left wrist. She had fallen backwards onto her outstretched hand, forcing the wrist into considerable dorsi-flexion with the forearm in supination. Examination revealed bruising and swelling at the base of the first metacarpal and over ...