[ARPE prosthesis: preliminary results]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis significantly impacts hand function and quality of life.
• Current treatment options for trapeziometacarpal arthritis include conservative management and surgical interventions.
• Prosthetic replacement offers a potential solution for restoring joint function and alleviating pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the ARPE prosthesis for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis.
• To assess the impact of ARPE prostheses on pain, mobility, and daily living activities.
• To analyze radiographic changes following ARPE prosthesis implantation.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 45 patients received ARPE prostheses.
• Patients were followed up for a mean of 22.4 months.
• Pain, mobility, and activities of daily living were assessed using a specialized questionnaire.
• Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in pain frequency and intensity were observed postoperatively.
• Improvements in joint mobility were reported by patients.
• 97.1% of patients expressed satisfaction with the ARPE prosthesis.
• Radiographic analysis revealed a tendency for both the cup and stem components to progressively sink into the bone.

Conclusions:

• The ARPE prosthesis demonstrates promising preliminary results for treating trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis, leading to reduced pain and improved function.
• High patient satisfaction rates suggest the ARPE prosthesis is a viable treatment option.
• Further long-term studies are warranted to monitor the radiographic evidence of component subsidence and its clinical implications.