Thumb basal joint: Utilizing new technology for the treatment of a common problem

New technology has the potential to greatly impact the medical field because it may lead to a greater quality of life, decreased pain, or increased function for our patients. This manuscript will discuss the introduction of one such advance in hand surgery and hand therapy. Utilizing the Mini-Tightrope™ (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for suspension of the thumb metacarpal following trapeziectomy is a new technique for treating thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. This technique is described as an example of the advantages of considering new techniques and technologies when treating established problems. This article discusses the responsibility of health professionals in considering the adoption of new technologies over current ones in the context of describing a new type of CMC suspensionplasty procedure. Further, a description of the surgical technique, the hand therapy postoperatively, and a case study to demonstrate some of the features of the Tightrope suspensionplasty procedure is presented. In the author's experience, the reduced healing time, reduced weeks of immobility, and fewer therapy visits following the procedure suggest that the Tightrope procedure should be considered as an option for patients needing thumb CMC arthroplasty.