Arthroscopic Hemitrapeziectomy: Is an Internal Brace Worth It?

This article's purpose was to analyze clinical results obtained with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy with temporary suspension with a Kirschner wire (K-wire).

Seventy thumb CMC arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomies with a mean age of 59 and 18 months of follow-up were performed in our center during a 13-year period. All of them followed the same protocol. Surgical technique is described.

All patients were arthroscopically classified as Badia's III stage. No tendon interposition was used, and a K-wire was temporarily implanted for 5.1 weeks. Mean postsurgical Visual Analogue Scale of 1.6, Kapandji Opposition Score of 8.1, grip strength of 42.2 lbs, lateral pinch of 9.5 lbs, tip-to-tip pinch of 4.2 lbs and tripod pinch of 7.8 lbs were measured. All previous active workers resumed their previous job.

We conclude that thumb CMC arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy with temporary suspension with K-wire reaches good results in terms of pain reduction, strength, and functionality, without the necessity of an internal brace which increases risks of a second metacarpal fracture.