Instability of the trapezio metacarpal joint: related arthritis and surgery

Arthritis of the trapezio metacarpal joint (TMJ) is a very frequent condition, which affects women more than men, especially in the fifth or sixth decade of life. It can be very painful and disabling and the patient will need surgery for relief even if it can result in painless stiffening (in adduction of the metacarpal and hypertension of the metacarpal, which in turn is very disabling). TMJ arthritis is rarely primary or idiopathic; in general, it is secondary to instability of the joint, which, in turn, may be primary or secondary.