Revision of Arpe® trapeziometacarpal prosthesis by isolated head and linear exchange in five patients

With the increase in the number of trapeziometacarpal arthroplasties being done, the indications for revision due to implant wear will also increase significantly in the coming years. Isolated linear exchange in the context of polyethylene wear without osteolysis or loosening of the implants is already well known in the case of hip arthroplasty. This revision option offers the advantages of less morbidity, faster recovery, and bone preservation. We retrospectively reviewed five patients who underwent trapeziometacarpal revision with isolated polyethylene liner exchange. Revision surgery was performed an average of 17.6 years (10.7-21.3 years) after the primary arthroplasty procedure. The indication for revision was dislocation in four cases and prophylactic revision for wear and limited osteolysis of the cavity in the other case. Mean follow-up was 48.7 months (36-60). One patient had a recurrent dislocation 4 years after revision and required another revision where only the cup was changed. The other patients had no instability, and no complications were reported. The mean QuickDASH score was 11.9 (4.5-15.9). Pinch strength was 102% (90-120) and grip strength was 92% (70-110) relative to the opposite side. Radiological evaluation showed no abnormalities at the last follow-up. Trapeziectomy is often the solution of choice in the surgical revision of arthroplasties. Unipolar revision of the cup has the risk of trapezium fracture, especially when the cup is well integrated. The technique we report here preserves bone and simplifies the surgical procedure with outcomes corresponding to those of primary arthroplasty. Isolated exchange of the polyethylene liner is a relevant option in the revision of trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty with good short-term results.