Arthrodesis for Primary Osteoarthritis of Trapeziometacarpal Joint Using Multiple Kirschner Wires and Tension Band Wire in Female Patients Older than 40.

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of arthrodesis with multiple Kirschner (K)-wires and tension band wire for primary osteoarthritis of trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint in female patients aged 40 years or older.

Methods

We retrospectively obtained data regarding all female patients 40 years or older who underwent TM joint arthrodesis for TM joint osteoarthritis with K-wires and tension band wire over a 10-year period from 2009 till 2019. Thumb length, active range of motion (ROM) at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, active ROM of radial and volar adduction and abduction and key pinch strength was measured. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using a pain and satisfaction questionnaire and the DASH score. We also recorded postoperative complications.

Results

The study included 60 thumbs in 49 patients with an average age 60 years and a mean follow-up of 40 ± 21 months. All but one thumb had radiographic evidence of fusion within 6 months and the union rate was 98%. Key pinch strength increased from 2.3 to 4.9 kg after surgery. Total arc of motion in radial adduction-abduction decreased from 16° to 10°. Total arc of motion in volar adduction-abduction decreased from 25° to 9°. One patient experienced attritional rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon attributed to a K-wire penetration into the carpal tunnel. Although 46 thumbs (77%) had no or mild hardware-related symptoms, they underwent hardware removal after solid bone union. In 23 thumbs with follow-up period longer than 48 months, two thumbs developed scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint arthritis and two thumbs developed metacarpophalangeal joint arthritis.

Conclusions

We found that arthrodesis with multiple K-wires and tension band wire is a valuable option in the management of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis in female patients aged 40 years or older. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).