Suture-Button Suspensionplasty for the Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis

Despite the numerous techniques available to treat thumb carpometacarpal arthritis, studies show no long-term differences in outcomes among these techniques. However, simple trapeziectomy has been gaining popularity because of its low propensity for complications and relatively short intraoperative procedural time. Current approaches to trapeziectomy use Kirschner wire fixation to prevent subsidence. Unfortunately, this fixation method requires at least 4 weeks of immobilization of the thumb. We describe a novel technique involving suture-button (SB) suspensionplasty (Mini TightRope, Arthrex, Naples, FL) that allows for earlier mobilization of the thumb and faster overall recovery. This method uses a SB device that suspends the thumb ray after arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy or full trapeziectomy. Preliminary results are promising, but further studies must be conducted to confirm the safety and efficacy of this SB suspensionplasty technique.