Painful thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: Results of a novel treatment approach

SummaryBackgroundPain reduction as well as preservation and improvement in range of motion remain the main aims in the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA). We performed a retrospective outcome analysis of patients with symptomatic stage II–III thumb CMC joint arthritis treated with denervation, joint lavage and capsular imbrication.Methods73 patients with stage II to III OA of the thumb CMC-joint underwent the described technique. A total of 42 patients complied with follow-up assessment and were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 41.2 (range 12–81) months.ResultsMean operative time was 28.4 (±6.5) minutes. The follow-up assessments showed a significant decrease in pain (preoperative Numerical Rating Scale (NRS): 7.5 – postoperative NRS: 1.1) (p < 0.0001) and a significant improvement in function of the thumb (preoperative DASH-Score: 46.8; Cooney-Wrist-Score: 35.4; Krimmer-Wrist-Score: 38.3 – postoperative DASH-Score: 18.1; Cooney-Wrist-Score: 73.7; Krimmer-Wrist-Score: 80.0) (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe findings of our study indicate that the presented treatment approach could be a good alternative to more invasive surgical options in patients with stage II–III CMC OA of the thumb, without impairing more invasive surgical options like trapeziectomy or arthroplasty for the future.