E. Diao, Trapezio-metacarpal arthritis - Trapezium excision and ligament reconstruction not including the LRTI arthroplasty, HAND CLIN, 17(2), 2001, pp. 223
For trapeziometacarpal arthritis, trapezium excision and ligament reconstru
ction that is distinct from the ligament reconstruction tendon interpositio
n (LRTI) arthroplasty has a distinct role. Emphasis is placed on the use of
the abductor pollicis longus for tendon interposition and "suspensionplast
y" for the arthritic thumb carpal metacarpal joint. The advantages of the a
bductor pollicis longus techniques as originally advocated by Thompson, and
modified by Diao, are reviewed. The surgical technique for this procedure,
clinical results and biomechanical cadaver analysis comparing abductor pol
licis longus suspensionplasty done with two techniques, as they compare to
the LRTI procedure, are included. The abductor pollicis longus suspensionpl
asty is an excellent treatment choice both for index procedures for carpome
tacarpal (CMC) thumb arthritis, and for salvage of the failed thumb CMC art
hroplasty.