Elektra prosthesis for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a follow-up of 39 consecutive cases

We present a prospective follow-up of 39 Elektra prostheses in 37 patients (32 women and five men), with a mean age of 56.5 (range 46-71) years; 34 patients had osteoarthritis and three had rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were followed using clinical examination, including measurement of pain on a visual analogue scale, mobility, and strength, after 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks, and annually thereafter. Radiological examination was done preoperatively and after 6, 26, and 52 weeks, and annually thereafter. The mean follow-up time was 48 (range 3-91) months. Although we observed a fast recovery, including maintenance of mobility and a gradual increase in grip strength, there was a revision rate of 7/38 (24%) after 36 months, increasing to 17/38 (44%) after 72 months. The main reason for revision was loosening of the trapezial component, and biomechanical properties of the trapezial fixation may be the key problem in treating trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis using a total prosthesis.