Replacement of the trapeziometacarpal joint with a cemented (Caffinière) prosthesis

Between 1978 and 1985, 31 Caffinière prostheses were implanted in the first carpometacarpal joints of 28 patients for treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis (26 patients) or rheumatoid arthritis (2 patients). At follow-up an average of 48 (13 to 77) months after operation, four hands had reoperation, with the replacement of six components, five cups and one metacarpal component. In addition, there were x-ray signs of component loosening in three other cases. Of the 29 thumbs that could be evaluated with regard to pain, 27 had no pain at all or only slight pain, and two patients had moderate pain. No patient suffered from severely disabling pain. Mobility and strength were satisfactory.