International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Abstract

Efficacy of Thumb Arthroplasty in Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Long Term Follow-up

Banu Dilek, Gokhan Meric, Didem Erdem, Gorkem Uz, Elif Akalin and Kadir A

Introduction: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate long term functional results and satisfaction following arthroplasty of thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC) osteoarthritis and compare with controls, who had CMC osteoarthritis ( Eaton stages II-III). Materials and Methods: Ten patients with arthroplasty of thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis (arthroplasty group) and ten patients with the same side thumb CMC joint osteoartrhritis without arthroplasty (control group) were enrolled in the study. All patients were evaluated according to Eaton radiologic classification. Outcome measures were included visual analog scale (VAS 0-10 cm) scores for pain, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores for function, abduction of thumb, thumb total active range of motion (TAROM), grip and pinch strength. We also evaluated patients’ satisfaction scores with numeric scale (0-10) in arthroplasty group. Results: Mean age of the arthroplasty group was 66.50 ± 6.90, control group was 66.70 ± 9.22. The average duration of after operation was 49.20 ± 24.94 months and patients’ satisfaction score was 8.10 ± 1.44 in arthroplasty group. When the groups were compared, DASH scores, pain at activity of daily living and at rest were found significantly in arthroplasty group (p<0.05). TAROM, Grip and pinch strength parameters between the two groups there were no statistically significant difference. (p>0.05). Discussion: Arthroplasty in CMC osteoarthritis can be effective in terms of improvement of pain, mobility and function. Long term successful results can be achieved in treatment with use the arthroplasty in patient who suffer from moderate or severe CMC osteoarthritis.