Minimally invasive thumb carpometacarpal joint arthrodesis with headless screws and arthroscopic assistance

We describe a minimally invasive arthrodesis technique using an arthroscope and fixation with headless screws. From February 2007 to March 2010, we treated 11 thumbs in 11 patients with posttraumatic carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. All patients reported pain at the thumb carpometacarpal joint. Preoperatively, mean grip and pinch strength was 38 and 5.9 kg, respectively. At a mean time of 9 weeks, all patients achieved complete union at the fusion site. Mean follow-up was 46 months. At the final follow-up, mean grip and pinch strength was 47 and 7.7 kg, respectively. Based on the Kapandji opposition score (full scored = 10), the mean thumb opposition score was 7. All patients had pain relief. There were 6 excellent, 3 good, and 2 fair results.