The modified Burton-Pellegrini method for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Medium-term results

An original modification in the Burton-Pellegrini technique was used to treat 20 cases of trapeziometacarpal arthritis between 1992 and 2001. A retrospective evaluation concerned 13 cases and was based on functional and radiographic criteria measuring the height of the column of the thumb at rest and under stress. Mean follow-up was 54.2 months (range 24-144). The height of the column of the thumb was decreased in relation to that of healthy hands and shortening under stress was significantly correlated with an increase in pain under stress (R2 = 44.7; p = 0.012). The observation of hyperextension of the MP (> 20 degrees) at follow-up was correlated with worse functional results. The method proposed has proven to be reliable, safe, capable of guaranteeing greater force as compared to other surgical methods described in the literature. The study emphasizes the need for a careful preoperative evaluation and possible treatment of MP joint hyperextension.