Carpometacarpal Ligament Reconstruction, Surgical Technique and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Basal thumb arthritis often begins with ligament laxity and joint instability, preceding radiographic changes.
• Conservative management is common, but some patients experience persistent symptoms requiring intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a preferred surgical technique for managing carpometacarpal ligament instability and laxity in basal thumb arthritis.
• To present long-term outcomes of this specific surgical reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a slip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon for ligament reconstruction.
• Anatomically reconstructs the intermetacarpal, dorsoradial, and anterior oblique ligaments.
• Employs standard surgical instruments.

Main Results:

• The technique was performed on 33 patients over a 10-year period.
• Long-term outcomes of these cases are presented.

Conclusions:

• This surgical technique offers a method for anatomically reconstructing key ligaments in basal thumb arthritis.
• The use of the flexor carpi radialis tendon slip provides a viable option for persistent ligament instability.