Trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty using the entire flexor carpi radialis tendon

Fifty-eight patients (62 joints) with arthritis of the thumb carpometacarpa l joint were treated with resection arthroplasty, ligament reconstruction? and tendon interposition with the entire flexor carpi radialis tendon, The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 58.4 years (range, 28-8 0 years), and the average follow-up was 42.5 months (range, 21-86 months). The entire flexor carpi radialis tendon was used for reconstruction and int erposition, fn 32 of the 62 joints, a partial trapezoidectomy was performed for scaphotrapezoidal arthritis, Fingertip pinch improved by 88%, key pinc h improved by 86%, and grip strength improved by 69%. Palmar and radial abd uction also improved by 8% and 10% respectively. Fifty-five (95%) patients reported excellent pain relief, whereas three patients reported only mild p ain. No patients experienced an increase in pain. All thumbs were stable ra diographically. This study indicated ligament reconstruction with tendon in terposition, accompanied by partial trapezoidectomy when indicated, provide s excellent pain relief and restoration of function, No morbidity was obser ved with use of the entire flexor carpi radialis tendon.