Interposition arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint for osteoarthritis

Resection arthroplasty of the trapezium with either Gelfoam (Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan) or tendon interposition was performed in 28 thumbs. Postoperatively, all thumbs were stable and all patients noted diminished pain and improvement in strength. Adduction contracture and metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension must be corrected at the time of surgery. Interposition arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint accomplishes the surgical objectives and obviates the need for an implant. Subsequently, the rare complication of silicone synovitis following implant surgery is avoided.