[Surgical treatment of arthritis of the thumb saddle joint]

First the etiology, clinical signs and differential diagnosis of the basal joint of the thumb are represented. Then a short summary is given about the possibilities of conservative and operative therapy. In operative treatment, there are techniques of maintaining the flexibility of this joint as well as the arthrodesis. In our clinic we prefer operative techniques by removal of the multangulum majus or implantation of an artificial joint (Francobal-endoprosthesis). The results of our 22 patients, who had an operation of an arthritis of the basal joint of the thumb were controlled clinically and radiologically. We specially controlled the function and stability of the thumb and if the patient was able to manage his occupation. In arthritis of the basal joint of the thumb, the excision of the multangulum majus had good results and may be recommended. The arthroplasty of this joint had good early results, too. Here late results remain to be seen.