Failed Suture Button Suspensionplasty of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Salvaged Using Pyrocarbon Arthroplasty

Carpometacarpal joint arthritis of the thumb is a common problem. Mini suture suspensionplasty has been reported as a successful treatment option. We describe a case of a ruptured suture button suspensionplasty that caused pain and thumb metacarpal subluxation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported mechanical failure of a suture suspensionplasty. Surgeons should be aware of this potential complication when using this device to treat thumb carpometacarpal arthritis surgically.