Foreign Body Reaction Associated With Polyethylene Mesh Interposition Used for Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Report of 8 Cases

PurposeTo report the incidence of foreign body reactions associated with placement of a polyethylene mesh implant in patients treated with trapiezectomy for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.MethodsBetween November 2008 and September 2012, 70 hands in 66 adults with stage IV trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis had a trapiezectomy with interposition of a spacer made of polyethylene terephthalate mesh (Anchois Ligastic, Orthomed SA, St Jeannet, France). Out of these 70 implants, 8 implants (11%) in 8 patients (mean age, 60 y; range, 49–75 y) were removed because of persistent swelling, synovitis, and pain.ResultsThe mean interval between primary and revision surgery was 14 (range, 5–27) months. Histological analysis in all cases showed a foreign body giant cell reaction. Two hands showed bone resorption or carpal bone cysts similar to silicone particle synovitis. The cysts resolved after implant removal and bone grafting.ConclusionsIn the light of these results and the available literature, we recommend not using this material for interposition in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic IV.