How a Gauze Sponge Roll Enhances Surgical Exposure in Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty: A Technical Note

Thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty has become a widely used standard technique in the surgical treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. One of the most critical steps during this procedure is proper surgical exposure of the trapezium and the base of the first metacarpal to allow for prosthesis implantation. This article introduces a surgical technique in which a roll constructed from gauze sponges tightly wrapped with medical tape facilitates several steps in thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty. While performing a dorsoradial approach to the thumb carpometacarpal joint, this cost-effective tool is perfectly tailored to the joint's unique anatomy. It aids in precise hand positioning and ensures optimal exposure of the trapezium and base of the first metacarpal, which is crucial for accurate cup and stem preparation as well as for unimpeded prosthesis implantation.