Patient-reported outcomes after Silastic replacement of the trapezium for osteoarthritis

This retrospective study evaluated 69 Swanson trapezium replacements performed between 1990 and 2009 for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in 58 patients. Pain and function were assessed using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Patients had a mean age of 62 years at the time of surgery, with a mean time of 7.7 years (range 9 months to 19 years) from surgery to follow-up interview. There was no association between outcome scores and the length of follow-up, suggesting that the results are maintained over time (Spearman's rank correlation test < ±0.2). Scores for activities of daily living and work-related activities were higher when surgery was on the dominant hand (p < 0.05). Silicone trapezium replacement remains a good option for patients with painful trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis that has not responded to nonoperative management.