Long-term follow-up of the cemented Caffinière prosthesis for trapezio-metacarpal arthroplasty

20 patients with 22 Caffinière prostheses in the trapezio-metacarpal joint were evaluated at a median of nine years after operation. The indication was degenerative osteoarthrosis in 20 cases and rheumatoid arthritis in two cases. We found 18 of the 22 (82%) original prostheses still in place, with satisfactory pain relief and good function. Three hands had been revised due to aseptic loosening, with replacement of two cups and one total prosthesis. Two of the revised prostheses were functioning well 6 1/2 and 10 years after the revision. We conclude that function does not deteriorate within the first nine years, that late loosening is not a significant problem with this prosthesis and that, if aseptic loosening occurs, it is possible to obtain good results by replacing the loose component.