Trapeziometacarpal joint arthrodesis for the treatment of arthrosis

We undertook a retrospective follow-up study of arthrodesis of 21 trapeziom etacarpal joints in 19 patients. Internal fixation was by two or three Kirs chner wires and a bone graft. No joint failed to unite. Painless joints and stable grasping were achieved. Subjective estimations of improvement were excellent for 16 joints. However, some patients complained of clumsiness af ter the procedure. In stability was seen in six metacarpophalangeal (MP) jo ints of the thumb. The most common indication for trapeziometacarpal joint arthrodesis was painful arthritis in vigorous, young male labourers. Howeve r, preoperative evaluation of the function of the MP joint is necessary to determine suitability for surgery.