Modified trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction tendon interposition for the treatment of advanced thumb carpometacarpal arthritis

RATIONALE Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis is a common disease. Various procedures have been described for the treatment of advanced thumb CMC arthritis. This essay shows a CMC arthritis case treated by modified trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI). PATIENT CONCERNS A 53-year-old Chinese female complained of pain and swelling at the base of the left thumb for 10 years. Visual analog scale (VAS) for thumb was 7 points, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 51 points, and Kapandji score was 6 points before surgery. Preoperative range of motion (ROM) for radial abduction and volar abduction were 63°and 62°, respectively. Grip power was 15.3 kg and key-pinch power was 1.8 kg before operation. Preoperative waist flexion power was 20.9 kg. Hand x-ray showed left thumb CMC arthritis in Eaton stage III and the height of the trapezial space was 10 mm. DIAGNOSES She was diagnosed with left thumb CMC arthritis (Eaton III stage). INTERVENTIONS The patient underwent modified trapeziectomy with LRTI. After exposing and removing trapezium, and a hole from the dorsal base to the center of the articular surface was drilled. Then we cut the whole flexor carpi radialis and divided it into 2 halves. Afterward, we passed one-half through the hole and tied it to the other part and sutured them. The rest tendon was then tied continuously and sutured. Then we rolled it up into the space where previous trapezium was located. OUTCOMES Two years after operation, pain and swelling relieved and no recurrence of the clinical symptoms occurred. VAS, DASH, and Kapandji score were 2, 22, 7 points, respectively. ROM for radial abduction and volar abduction were 79° and 78°, respectively. Furthermore, grip power was 22.7 kg and key-pinch power was 3.8 kg. Waist flexion power was 20.0 kg. Hand x-ray showed that the height of the trapezial space was 9.8 mm. LESSONS Modified trapeziectomy with LRTI in treatment of advanced thumb CMC arthritis had a satisfactory efficacy. This new procedure not only prevents thumb sinking, but also provides enough support for thumb.