Thumb Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis: Treatment with Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty
Ashkan Ghavami, M.D., Scott N. Oishi, M.D.

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the pathomechanical and biochemical basis for thumb trapeziometacarpal joint degeneration. 2. Diagnose and grade trapeziometacarpal joint disease based on presentation, physical examination (including provocative testing), and radiographic evidence. 3. Understand the principles of ligament reconstruction and tendon arthroplasty procedures. 4. Describe the surgical technique for ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty and its variants.

Background: Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is the second most common site of degenerative joint disease in the hand, and mostly affects postmenopausal women. Degenerative arthritis of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint is associated with a lack of bony constraints and laxity of the supporting ligaments, particularly the anterior oblique (“beak”) ligament, which is consistently implicated in disease progression. Resultant increases in joint stress loads leads eventually to metacarpal and trapezial articular destruction, thumb instability,
and pain.

Methods: In this article, the authors review the diagnosis and treatment modalities available to the surgeon in the treatment of patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The technique of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty is discussed in detail.

Results: Ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty procedures center on three common principles: (1) excision of the diseased trapezium; (2) reconstruction of the beak ligament; and (3) interposition of a tissue
substance to maintain metacarpal position.

Conclusions: Both conservative and surgical management can be effective in
the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthritis, when properly selected. The
success of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty in treating
trapeziometacarpal arthritis has withstood the test of time.
(Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 117: 116e, 2006.)

Trapeziometacarpal arthritis is the second most common degenerative joint disease in the hand, commonly affecting women in their fifth to sixth decades of life. A study by Kelsey et al. estimated that one in six women had radiographic evidence of basal joint arthritis, compared with only 5 percent of men.5 Others report a prevalence of 33 percent in postmenopausal women (with one-third being symptomatic) versus an 11 percent rate in men older than 55 years.6,7 Female predisposition may be attributable to hormonal factors; increased ligament laxity; and presence of a smaller, less congruous
trapeziometacarpal joint, all resulting in greater joint contact pressure.

The trapeziometacarpal joint is unique in that it is a biconcave-convex “saddle” joint. In addition,
a lack of bony constraints places a greater reliance on the supporting ligamentous structures
for stability. Before more contemporary studies,10,11 Eaton and Littler4,12 had already identified the anterior oblique beak ligament (or deep anterior oblique ligament13,14) as the primary trapeziometacarpal joint stabilizer, supporting the need for its reconstruction. Laxity of the beak ligament, along with attenuation of other ligaments (discussed below), allows for greater stress loads on the trapeziometacarpal joint, particularly during pinch. Even under normal circumstances, a pinch force of 1 kg at the thumb tip can translate to a 13.42-kg force at the trapeziometacarpal joint.

The goals of treatment are to alleviate pain and restore joint stability. Fortunately, roles for both conservative and surgical options currently exist to successfully treat trapeziometacarpal joint pain and restore joint stability. Surgery is commonly offered to the symptomatic patient when conservative measures have failed or when there is advanced disease. Ligament reconstruction tendon interposition or other surgical techniques are often required in Eaton stage II through IV disease. Numerous technical variations of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty popularized by Burton
and Pelligrini15 have been described in the literature and all share three common treatment
principles: (1) removal of the abnormal bony surface (trapezial excision), (2) reconstitution of ligamentous (anterior oblique ligament) support, and (3) interposition of a substance (usually tendon) to help maintain the metacarpal suspension.

Appropriate treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis can produce predictable long-term patient satisfaction, making it an important procedure to be understood and applied by hand surgeons with an interest in treating trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis. This report discusses the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current surgical treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis, particularly the ligament reconstruction tendon interposition–type arthroplasties.

Anatomy and Biomechanics

Comprehensive knowledge of the ligamentous anatomy of the trapeziometacarpal joint is
required to understand the rationale for performing the various trapeziometacarpal joint reconstructions.
Unlike the hinge-type joints that dominate the hand, the trapeziometacarpal or basal joint of the thumb is a uniquely structured biconcave- convex saddle joint. The paucity of bony constraints forces the trapeziometacarpal joint to rely on the surrounding ligaments for support, which subjects the joint to abnormal pressure loads.

The trapezium endures both axial and cantilever stress loads, particularly during lateral pinch and grasp maneuvers. Postmortem histologic and biochemical studies have demonstrated a predominant
palmar pattern of articular surface destruction to be associated with beak ligament attrition and gross ligament detachment from the native position.3,30–32 In addition, lateral pinch cadaver models demonstrate mostly palmar-located eburnation patterns of the articular surfaces.

The ligamentous anatomy is complex and has been studied by numerous authors. Figure 1 illustrates how ligamentous laxity can contribute to radial deviation and extension from cantilever bending forces to produce the zigzag collapse deformity. Using arthroscopic assistance, Bettinger et al.13 described 16 ligaments that stabilize the trapeziometacarpal joint; however, a detailed discussion of all of them are beyond the scope of this article. Seven of these ligaments are thought to be directly responsible for
trapeziometacarpal joint stability (Table 1). These are the deep anterior oblique or beak ligament, the superficial anterior oblique ligament, the dorsoradial ligament, the ulnar collateral ligament, the posterior oblique ligament, the intermetacarpal ligament, and the dorsal intermetacarpal ligament (Fig. 2). The beak ligament has long been regarded as the most significant supporting structure of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Current research, based on biochemical and histologic analysis, continues to describe the deep anterior oblique ligament as being the primary stabilizer of the trapeziometacarpal joint.

Joint surface beak ligament attrition plays a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis, which has led to the popularity of ligament reconstruction.The beak ligament is so named because its obliquely oriented fibers originate just ulnar to the volar styloid process of the first metacarpal base (beak) and insert onto the volar central apex of the trapezium.
The deep anterior oblique ligament serves as a pivot point, particularly during thumb pronation (rotation), and becomes taut in abduction or extension to prevent ulnar subluxation of the thumb metacarpal.

Biochemical analysis of the arthritic trapeziometacarpaljoint hyaline cartilage reveals a loss of
glycosaminoglycan from the extracellular matrix and sparing of the collagenous network in the
palmar region, where osteoarthritic disease first originates. This selective biochemical process
seems to be responsible for the progression of trapeziometacarpal joint disease. Histologic studies
reveal that the attritional degeneration of the deep anterior oblique ligament at its attachment to the palmar lip of the metacarpal occurs before the cartilaginous destruction.30 Detachment of the
deep anterior oblique ligament results in dorsal translation of the metacarpal, which supports
beak ligament reconstruction in early and late disease.

Six other ligaments play contributing roles in trapeziometacarpal joint stability. The superficial
anterior oblique ligament is longer than the deep anterior oblique ligament and provides the laxity
necessary for pronation. The dorsoradial ligament is the shortest and thickest ligament of the
trapeziometacarpal joint and may be the first to become taut during dorsal and dorsoradial
subluxation13,14; however, its significance in providing trapeziometacarpal stability has been debated
(P. Bettinger et al., unpublished data). The intermetacarpal ligament assists the dorsoradial
ligament in constraining radial translation and subluxation of the first metacarpal base.13,14
The dorsal intermetacarpal ligament (along with the intermetacarpal ligament) may also help restrain
the first metacarpal from collapsing proximally after trapezial excision.

Preoperative Evalation

Stages

Historically, several staging systems have been created to correlate radiographic evidence
of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis with clinical symptomatology.38–40 However, pain and other
symptoms do not seem to correlate well with radiographic findings.40,41 A patient can have
severe pain with a low radiographic stage or have no pain with pantrapezial involvement. Littler
and Eaton40 described a purely radiographbased staging system that is the most common
staging system used today (Fig. 3). The characteristic findings in each stage are listed in Table
2. Eaton stage I demonstrates a normal articular surface, and joint space widening caused by effusions
and/or ligament laxity can also be present. Stage II displays mild joint narrowing, mild sclerosis, more than one-third subluxation, a normal scaphotrapezial joint, and osteophytes or debris that are smaller than 2 mm. Stage III involves significant joint narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytes larger than 2 mm in diameter. Stage IV now includes the scaphotrapezial joint in addition to trapeziometacarpal joint disease. A stage V has recently been suggested to account for pantrapezial arthritis

Clinical Examination

Along with radiographic evaluation and staging, a thorough history and physical examination
will help guide the treatment plan. Typically, patients will present with complaints of pain at the
base of the thumb, often radiating to the thenar eminence or metacarpophalangeal joint. Pain is
exacerbated by forceful pinching and grasping motions. Examples are turning keys and doorknobs,
holding large containers, and unscrewing jar tops. With early disease, stiffness is usually not
prevalent. Osteophytes may, however, lead to limited motion, eventually resulting in a dorsally fixed
and subluxed joint that is adducted, with limited palmar abduction.12,42 The consequence of prolonged
stiffness may be compensatory metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. Hyperextension greater than 30 degrees warrants arthrodesis or capsulodesis, along with surgical reconstruction of the trapeziometacarpal joint.

Patients will commonly have tenderness to palpation at the radiovolar aspect of the joint regardless of the disease stage. If the scaphotrapezial joint (approximately 1 cmproximal to the trapeziometacarpal joint) is also tender, this may indicate stage IV disease. Earlier disease stages correlate with greater joint laxity, whereas stiffness is often present in late disease. Crepitus resulting from friction between eburnated joint surfaces is usually present with stage III or IV disease.

Provocative tests that illicit pain in the trapeziometacarpal joint have been described, and include
the axial compression adduction test, axial compression rotation test (grind test), and the distraction test. The axial compression adduction test involves placing axial compression on the thumb as the subluxation is reduced. The grind test is performed by rotating the thumb metacarpal base while applying axial compression on the trapeziometacarpal joint. The distraction test also includes thumb rotation, but axial traction is also applied to stretch the inflamed ligaments in milder disease stage.

Imaging

Plain radiographs are all that are required in evaluation and staging of thumb trapeziometacarpal joint disease. Radiographs should include posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique views. Other views include the stress view, as described by Eaton and Littler,4 and the Roberts view. The stress view involves a posteroanterior view of both thumb trapeziometacarpal joints taken together as the patient
pushes the radial aspect of one thumb with the other, causing metacarpal base lateral subluxation.
The Roberts view is taken as an anteroposterior view of a hyperpronated hand and gives a clear image of all four trapezial articulations.

Plain radiographs are all that are required in evaluation and staging of thumb trapeziometacarpal
joint disease. Radiographs should include posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique views. Other views include the stress view, as described by Eaton and Littler, and the Roberts view. The stress view
involves a posteroanterior view of both thumb trapeziometacarpal joints taken together as the patient
pushes the radial aspect of one thumb with the other, causing metacarpal base lateral subluxation.
The Roberts view is taken as an anteroposterior view of a hyperpronated hand and gives a clear image of all four trapezial articulations.

Differential Diagnosis

Thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis can be confused with several disease entities that can have
a similar presentation of pain in the base of the thumb (Table 3). However, careful clinical evaluation
should confirm the diagnosis. Patients with de Quervain’s disease will have tenderness at the
tip of the radial styloid and along the first extensor compartment, rather than at the radiovolar trapeziometacarpal joint region. Flexor carpi radialis tenosynovitis can also confuse the diagnosis, but
pain will be in a more ulnar location and be exacerbated with wrist flexion. Trigger thumb or subsesamoid arthritis can accompany trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and should be ruled out.

Scaphoid fractures, particularly at the distal pole, can illicit pain and tenderness in the trapeziometacarpal joint region. However, a careful history will often reveal the original traumatic event.
Male patients with trapeziometacarpal arthritis are probably more likely to have an associated traumatic
cause, even a benign sprain. Greater than one-third of patients may have concomitant carpal tunnel syndrome, warranting carpal tunnel release at the time of trapeziometacarpal arthritis surgery.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Current nonsurgical treatment options for trapeziometacarpal arthritis include trials of nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs, thumb spica splinting, and intraarticular steroid injections. Swigart et al. conducted a retrospective analysis of 130 thumbs treated with 3 to 4 weeks of splinting and found 76 percent of patients with Eaton stage I or II disease and 54 percent of patients with stage III and IV disease to have symptomatic improvement at 6-month follow-up. Day et al. performed a prospective analysis of a single intraarticular steroid injection followed by 3 weeks of splinting in 30 thumbs. DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) outcome-based analysis demonstrated 40 percent substantial relief regardless of radiographic stage. Eighty percent of Eaton stage I patients experienced pain relief at 18 months; only 25 percent of stage IV patients and approximately 35 percent of stages II and III patients had sustained relief. These findings suggest that patients with Eaton stage I disease can be successfully treated with a steroid/splinting regimen, but as osteophytes develop and joint narrowing
progresses (stages I and III), results become less predictable.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical reconstruction of the degenerative basal joint is indicated when conservative measures
have failed to relieve pain and improve thumb function. Elderly patients with more advanced
disease may have significant deformity but have less pain and may not need to undergo operative
intervention. Eaton staging can help guide the selection of specific procedures. Glickel and Tomaino et al. discuss the algorithm for operation based on symptoms and Eaton staging. Stage I, with characteristic joint widening and ligament laxity, may be treated with Littler
and Eaton4,12 anterior oblique ligament reconstruction using a distally based strip of flexor carpi
radialis tendon passed through the first metacarpal, without arthroplasty, to restore a static restraint
against dorsal translation in the lax trapeziometacarpal joint. However, for ligament-only reconstruction to be successful long-term, articular surfaces must be eburnation-free and display only minimal early changes, which can be best assessed intraoperatively.

Extension osteotomy is also a reported option at this stage, provided the joint wear does not
extend beyond the volar surface. Studies that describe the mostly palmar patterns of articular
surface destruction provide the rationale for treatment by means of extension metacarpal osteotomy,
which transfers the stress load dorsally, as an alternative to trapeziectomy and ligament arthroplasty
in young, active patients.

Treatment of stage II disease may vary, depending on the status of the articular wear pattern
seen intraoperatively. Mild stage II disease does not require resurfacing or trapezial excision procedures
and can be treated like stage I disease. More advanced stage II disease may require joint
resurfacing by means of dorsal load transference with a closing wedge51 or extension osteotomy provided arthritic changes spare the dorsal trapeziometacarpal joint. More advanced wear patterns
(assessed intraoperatively) require trapezial excision and formal ligament reconstruction tendon
interposition-type arthroplasty. Arthrodesis of the trapeziometacarpal joint may be indicated in
younger patients (often with a posttraumatic cause) who have high joint demands, requiring
strong grip and pinch, because of their occupation. However, this continues to be controversial,
as somemay still be good candidates for ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty
procedures. However, arthrodesis nonunion rates have been reported as being anywhere
from 553 to 50 percent.

Stage III patients require more than beak ligament reconstruction alone. Trapezial excision
(whole or partial), with or without interposition material (e.g., tendon, allograft, autograft), and
with or without ligament reconstruction is required. The authors of this report favor ligament
reconstruction with either tendon (ligament reconstruction tendon interposition) interposition
or a costochondral autograft. Stage IV suggests scaphotrapezial joint involvement, possibly along
with other articular surfaces (trapezial-trapezoidal and trapezial-second metacarpal joints). Pantrapezial
and/or scaphotrapezial joint involvement requires complete trapezial excision or double arthroplasty.
Ligament reconstruction tendon interposition or suspensionplasty19,55 procedures with articular resurfacing in this stage have been shown to provide good pain relief and thumb function.

Recently, some surgeons have returned to trapezial excision alone as first described by Gervis,56
without tendon interposition or ligament reconstruction. Referred to by some as a “hematoma arthroplasty,” trapezial excision alone has had favorable results, based on shortterm studies. Although it is believed that loss of trapezial height does not correlate directly with function or pain levels, long-term loss of trapezial height can lead to scaphoid impingement, which may compromise outcomes.36 Long-term prospective studies are still needed. Nevertheless, if trapezial excision alone is to be performed,
Kirschner wire fixation becomes critical, as shortterm height loss may occur, leading to degenerative
disease in the distal pole of the scaphoid. In contrast, long-term evidence supporting ligament
reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty does exist, and it continues to be a mainstay in
surgical treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint disease.

Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty

In 1973, Eaton and Littler4 described reconstruction of the anterior oblique beak ligament by
using a distally based half radial portion of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The flexor carpi radialis
tendon is passed through a bony channel at the base of the first metacarpal to its dorsum, where it is routed around the abductor pollicis longus and then back onto itself. This reinforces the volar, dorsal, and radial aspects of the trapeziometacarpal joint capsule. The tenets of this procedure were later reinforced by Burton and Pellegrini,15 whose rationale for developing the ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty focused on the three principles listed previously. Several modifications have been made to the original procedure, including excision of the entire trapezium and use of the entire width of the flexor carpi radialis tendon.

The surgical technique of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty is outlined
in Table 4 and illustrated in Figures 4 through 8 . A triradiate, V-shaped, or Wagner type incision is made, centered over the trapezium. A longitudinal incision facilitates simultaneous de Quervain’s release. The radial dorsal sensory nerves need to be identified and protected from injury. Small vessels from the radial artery are coagulated. The capsule is opened longitudinally. While traction is applied, the trapezoid, trapeziometacarpal, and scaphotrapezial joints are evaluated. The trapezium is excised through an initial saw cut and removed piecemeal with a bony rongeur. Care should be taken to avoid injuring the flexor carpi radialis tendon, as it may pass through a volar trapezial groove. An oblique hole is then made in the dorsal metacarpal cortex, 1 cm distal to the metacarpal base, within the plane of the
nail, and directed into the trapezial space. A wirepassing drill can be used effectively for this. An
alternative method is Mitek fixation of the flexor carpi radialis tendon to the thumb metacarpal base without making bony channels. Careful attention to complete removal of osteophytes on the metacarpal side of the trapeziometacarpal joint is critical.

Next, the flexor carpi radialis tendon is retrieved distally in the operative site, after it is transected at its musculotendinous junction by means of a separate 2-cm transverse incision. The tendon is mobilized to its insertion at the second metacarpal base. It is important to keep the tendon moistened with gauze soaked in normal saline, as desiccation can weaken the tendon and lead to fraying, particularly during passage through the metacarpal tunnel. Tendon delivery through the bony tunnels can be facilitated
with a 26- or 30-gauge monofilament loop wire. After longitudinal traction is applied to the thumb to bring the base level with the index metacarpal, the flexor carpi radialis tendon is pulled tightly to remove any slack and then is sutured to the metacarpal periosteum and back onto itself with 3-0 nonabsorbable sutures. Kirschner wire stabilization to the scaphoid may be used if preferred. The suture is then weaved into the remaining flexor carpi radialis remnant along its length to create the interposition mass (anchovy), which is anchored deeply to the joint capsule. The capsule should be closed with nonabsorbable suture material, and skin is closed with a running 4-0 nylon horizontal suture, alternating with simple sutures.

Intraoperative radiographs should be viewed to assess the trapezial space and metacarpal position.
The thumb metacarpophalangeal joint should also be evaluated for instability. If there is greater than 30 degrees of valgus instability or 30 degrees of passive hyperextension instability, arthrodesis or capsulodesis in 10 degrees of flexion should be performed

The postoperative regimen consists of immobilization with a short arm thumb-spica cast for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, range-of-motion exercises are begun, with active motion of the thumb interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal (if not arthrodesed) joints. Isometric thenar muscle exercises can also be initiated. During this period, the thumb spica splint may be removed four times a day to facilitate exercising. Eight weeks postoperatively, active flexion-adduction exercises at the thumb basal joint begin and the splint is weaned off. Resistive lateral pinch and grip strengthening is initiated at 12 weeks with titration of normal activity.

Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition Results

Tomaino et al.17 evaluated the results of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty
on 24 thumbs with an average of 9 years’ follow-up. They reported 95 percent of the 22
patients studied as having excellent pain relief and satisfaction, even with activities that required significant lateral pinch (i.e., opening jars and using keys). Average grip strength improved 93 percent compared with preoperative values; tip pinch strength improved 65 percent; and key pinch improved
34 percent, taking 6 years to reach preoperative values. Thumb tips were able to touch the little finger base in 92 percent of the thumbs that were operated on. Average subluxation of the metacarpal base was 11 percent at 9 years, and the average arthroplasty space height decrease was 13 percent. Similar to previous reports of even greater metacarpal proximal migration,22,28,60 no relation to clinical outcomes has been seen.

Other reports with shorter follow-up intervals have also shown positive outcomes with ligament
reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty. Lins et al.22 studied 30 thumbs at 3.5 years’ average
follow-up and found an average of 50 percent improvement in grip strength and 43 percent improvement in key pinch. In 1997, Rayan and Young28 reported results based on an average of
3.2 years’ follow-up, with less impressive outcomes of 13 percent grip strength improvement with 27
percent decline in key pinch. However, the authors’ results are based on contralateral hand measurements rather than same-hand preoperative values. Similar to other studies, 85 percent of
Rayan and Young’s28 study patients experienced pain relief. Two of the largest series, by Nylen et
al.61 (100 procedures) and Varitimidis et al. (62 thumbs),62 revealed findings similar to those of
previous reports with respect to pain, function, and patient satisfaction.

Technical Variations

Numerous technical variations of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty have been described in the literature. Some variations simply alter specific steps in the operation. Harvesting of the entire flexor carpi radialis versus one-half flexor carpi radialis has not been shown to produce any more morbidity, with respect to wrist strength or endurance.62,63 There are no reports comparing the importance of pin fixation of the metacarpal with no pin fixation, and the authors of this article do not see the necessity, provided adequate interposition material has been placed. Vartimidis et al.62 believe that lack of Kirschner wire stabilization may actually eliminate a potential source of complications.

The decision to perform partial versus whole trapezial resection can be based on the amount of radiographic and intraoperative scaphotrapezial disease and pantrapezial involvement. Most authors agree that if there is pantrapezial or scaphotrapezial disease progression, the entire trapezium should be resected. Glickel et al.41 reported that scaphotrapezial symptomatology did not advance during an average 8-year follow-up period in 18 patients after ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty with hemitrapeziectomy. Irwin et al. attributed unrecognized scaphotrapezoidal involvement as a cause of postoperative discomfort. There is no long-term or short-term morbidity with complete trapezial excision when ligament reconstruction tendon interposition is performed. Given the high possibility for unrecognized scaphotrapezial disease, we recommend pantrapezial excision when performing ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty.

Other variations of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition center on the use of different tendons, variations of tendon configurations, and/or interposition material. Thompson65 described a technical modification using the abductor pollicis longus, rather than the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The technique involves detaching half of the abductor pollicis longus at its musculotendinous junction, and leaving its dorsal attachment to the thumb metacarpal intact. The abductor pollicis longus is then passed retrograde through the dorsal bone hole and out the articular surface hole. The abductor pollicis longus tendon is then passed through a second oblique bone tunnel from the trapezial facet of the index metacarpal and heading dorsoulnarly on the index metacarpal. Tension is set by pulling on the abductor
pollicis longus tail that emerges from the dorsal index metacarpal hole. Next, the abductor
pollicis longus is woven into the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon for added stability. Originally,
this technique was intended for silicone arthroplasty salvage and only later became a primary
procedure.

Diao modified the “Thompson suspensionplasty” by orienting the second bone tunnel in the palmar portion of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the index metacarpal and drilling it dorsally. Diao believes this variation adds (1) added bony stability with more cortical bone hole support and (2) a more distal suspension focus. Results in 38 patients, with 15 thumbs, followed at an average of 23 months, showed complete pain relief in 87 percent, with full opposition and flexion in all but one patient.18 In the same report, cadaveric analysis demonstrated the least proximal migration when compared with ligament reconstruction tendon interposition and Thompson suspensionplasty.

Since Froimson67 added a rolled-up flexor carpi radialis tendon anchovy as interposition
material in the trapezial space, other materials such as silicone rubber spacers68 –73 have been
proposed. Silicone implants, particularly in the trapeziometacarpal joint, have been plagued
with many problems, including silicone synovitis, bone cysts, bony erosions, implant fracturing,
and high instability rates (66 percent).73 As a result, most surgeons have moved away from
their use in thumb trapeziometacarpal joint reconstruction. A more viable option for interposition
material has been described by Trumble et al.,20 who used a costochondral allograft spacer, with flexor carpi radialis tendon passing through it, in 46 thumbs. At a mean follow-up of
42 months, 90 percent of patients had a high level of function, with minimal symptoms. The
trapeziometacarpal space had decreased 21 percent after surgery, and trapeziometacarpal subluxation
was 16 percent versus 21 percent preoperatively.20 Kirschner wire fixation is not required, and the anterior oblique ligament is not reconstructed with this technique. The senior author (S.N.O) has had good experience with a technique similar to that of Trumble et al.20 but which uses rib autograft, and now prefers this technique almost exclusively.

Conclusions

Trapeziometacarpal arthritis is the second most common degenerative joint disease in the hand. It has been postulated to be caused by hormonal and biochemical factors; increased ligament laxity; and the presence of a smaller, less congruous trapeziometacarpal joint. In the year 2005, the beak ligament continues to be considered the primary trapeziometacarpal joint stabilizer, and is still implicated in the pathogenesis of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis.36 Current techniques that restore trapeziometacarpal joint stability through ligamentous reconstruction such as the ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty continue to produce consistently favorable results. Numerous technical variations of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty, originally popularized by Burton and Pelligrini,15 have been described in the literature,16 –20 and all center on three common
principles: (1) excision of the diseased trapezium; (2) reconstruction of the beak ligament; and (3) interposition of a tissue substance to maintain metacarpal position. The validity and longevity of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty procedures have withstood the test of time, and the procedure results in high patient satisfaction.

Ashkan Ghavami, M.D.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75390-9132
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it