Comparison of the results of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis and arthroplasty in men with osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint

Thirty-five men with disabling osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb had 47 thumb reconstructions, including 16 arthrodeses, 12 cemented metal-plastic implants, 6 Swanson condylar implants, 1 Kessler implant, 5 Swanson trapezium implants, and 7 tendon interposition arthroplasties. The mean age was 55 years, the minimum follow-up was 2 years, and the mean follow-up was 52.6 months. Mean pinch strength improved from 6.5 kg preoperatively to 7.2 kg postoperatively. Two-thirds of the patients were completely satisfied with the results of the operation. Results were poorer in patients who did heavy work. Choice of procedure had little effect on strength and satisfaction.