The use of the Artelon CMC Spacer for osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb

IntroductionFavorable clinical outcomes have been reported with the Artelon CMC Spacer, however, several studies have documented complications with the device.Purpose of the studyThe purpose of this study is to review a single surgeon's experience with the Artelon CMC Spacer for the treatment of basal joint arthritis of the thumb.MethodsFive thumbs in 6 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint were treated with the Artelon CMC Spacer. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years old. Patients were followed for a mean of 39.3 months (6–63) post-operatively.ResultsComplications occurred in 4 of the 6 thumbs and half of the thumbs required at least one secondary operative procedure. A documented foreign-body reaction was present in 2 of the 6 thumbs.DiscussionThe Artelon CMC Spacer is an interposition material that acts as a biologic spacer for arthritic joints while maintaining mechanical strength.ConclusionsDue to an unacceptably high complication rate, we no longer use the Artelon CMC Spacer for the management of basal joint arthritis of the thumb.Level of evidence4