Trapeziectomy for basal thumb joint osteoarthritis: 3-to 19-year follow-up

A consecutive series of 40 trapeziectomies in 30 patients with basal thumb joint osteoarthritis was reviewed. Sixteen thumbs had pan-trapezial and 24 thumbs trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Simple excision without soft tiss ue interposition was performed by the same surgeon using an identical surgi cal technique. Twenty-eight patients were female (mean age 57 years) with a mean follow-up of 11 (3-19) years. Twenty-eight patients were satisfied wi th their operation, with 26 thumbs being pain free, Thumb pinch strength wa s improved by 40% compared to preoperative values, but still remained 22% w eaker than the non-operated side.