Outcomes of silastic trapezium replacements

Trapezio-metacarpal joint arthritis is common, affecting 7% of men and 15% of women. Numerous surgical techniques are described for this condition but it is not clear which is best. Eighty-six silicone trapezium replacements were assessed at an average of 46 months (six to 156 months) postoperatively for patient satisfaction, pain, key and power grip strength, range of motion, complications and disability with DASH score. Patient satisfaction was 92%. There was excellent pain reduction from 4.2 to 0.6 on a scale of 0 to 5. Strength was 72% and 84% of age-sex-matched normal data for key and power grips, respectively. The complication rate was low, with two cases of persistent pain. One resolved spontaneously, the other resolved following revision of the silicone implant. The average DASH score was 30. Silicone trapezium replacement is an effective operation that offers the patient good pain relief, strength and good function with few complications.