Weilby tendon interposition arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the trapezial joints

Primary osteoarthritis of the trapezial joints has been treated by an interposition tendoplasty according to Weilby in eighty-nine cases. After excision of the trapezium, a strip from the flexor carpi radialis was wound around the main portion of the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the abductor pollicis longus. The abductor tendon was then duplicated over the tendoplasty and reinserted to the first metacarpal base. In 40% of cases, osteoarthritis was present in more than one trapezial joint. 57% had an adduction contracture of the first metacarpal, half of which were relieved postoperatively. 73% of patients were satisfied at follow-up. Complications included four cases with loss of active metacarpal abduction which was regained after reinsertion of the abductor pollicis longus. It is concluded that the Weilby tendoplasty is a useful alternative to Silastic implants, especially in cases of adduction contracture. The risks of implant dislocation and silicone synovitis are eliminated.