[Experience with stemless proplast as trapezium prosthesis]

From 1985 to 1991, we performed 58 trapezium implantations using porous proplast surrounded by a silastic cylinder. This stemless proplast prevents proximalisation of the thumb as well as the diminution of strength after removal of the trapezium. Contrary to the Swanson-implants, we did not find a radio-dorsal dislocation in our patients. The operative technique is very simple. With the tissue growing into the proplast, a secondary dislocation, especially while loading, is avoided. So far, all patients are satisfied with the result of the operation. Our youngest patient is 31 years old. Ten weeks after bilateral trapezium-implantation he went back to his full-time job as a construction worker.