Joint Preserving Treatments for Thumb CMC Arthritis

Trapezium resection with or without tendon suspension arthroplasty has been considered the gold standard surgical treatment for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (CMCJ OA). However, the removal of the trapezium may result in subsidence or shortening of the first metacarpal axis. Resection may also lead to reduced pinch strength and thumb instability. Joint preservation techniques may be used in early stages of CMCJ OA to promote pain relief, return to function, and delay more invasive procedures such as a trapezium resection.