Review of Swanson trapezium implants

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Osteoarthritis of the thumb is a common condition causing pain and functional limitation.
• Silicone trapezium prostheses are used to treat thumb osteoarthritis.
• The Swanson trapezium prosthesis is one such implant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively review the outcomes of Swanson trapezium silicone prostheses.
• To evaluate the efficacy and complications of this implant in treating thumb osteoarthritis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of sixteen Swanson trapezium silicone prostheses.
• Average follow-up of 3 years.
• Analysis of patient satisfaction, functional compromise, pain, implant stability, and radiographic findings.

Main Results:

• High patient satisfaction reported.
• 14 out of 16 thumbs had residual functional compromise and pain.
• 3 implants dislocated, 4 were subluxed.
• 5 thumbs showed intra-osseous cysts or bony erosion.
• 1 patient required implant removal.

Conclusions:

• The Swanson trapezium silicone prosthesis is associated with significant early problems.
• Complications include implant instability, pain, and bone erosion.
• The procedure is deemed unsuitable for treating osteoarthritic thumbs.