Early Mobilization After Basal Joint Arthroplasty: Clinical Results

Background: Traditional rehabilitation for basal joint arthroplasty involves postoperative immobilization. We hypothesize that early motion is safe and will result in equivalent clinical outcomes to traditional rehabilitation. Methods: Patients undergoing ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition were randomized into 2 rehabilitation protocols. All patients were immobilized postoperatively in a thumb-spica splint for 2 weeks. The accelerated group (Group 1) was transitioned into a removable Carpometacarpal (CMC)-wrap with activity as tolerated, while the traditional group (Group 2) were immobilized for an additional 4 weeks. Patients were examined preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Outcome measures included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, a visual analog scale for pain (VAS), pinch and grip strength and thumb range of motion. Results: Ninety-three thumbs were randomized, 48 in group 1 and 45 in group 2. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups preoperatively. DASH scores were significantly lower in the accelerated rehabilitation group at 6 weeks postoperatively compared to the traditional rehabilitation group, but these became equivalent by 12 weeks postoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative VAS, key, pinch, or grip strength or thumb range of motion at all time points postoperatively. Conclusions: Early (12-week and 1-year) outcomes suggest early mobilization of patients following CMC arthroplasty does not compromise clinical results. Long-term data will determine the lasting effects of accelerated rehabilitation but may offer earlier return to function than traditional rehabilitation.