Related Experiment Videos
Replacement of the os trapezium by polyurethane implants
C Sollerman1, G Hasselgren, J Westermark
1Department of Ortho-Rheuma-Hand, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Summary
Polyurethane trapezium implants for thumb arthritis show comparable pain relief and function to silicone, but with a higher rate of implant subluxation. Further design improvements may be needed for better stability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Hand surgery
Background:
- First carpometacarpal joint (CMC) arthrosis is a common cause of hand pain and dysfunction.
- Previous treatments include silicone implants, with varying success rates.
- Polyurethane implants offer an alternative material for trapezium replacement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the three-year clinical and radiographic outcomes of polyurethane (Tecoflex) trapezium implants.
- To compare the performance of polyurethane implants with existing silicone implant data.
- To identify potential complications and their causes.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients with first CMC joint arthrosis underwent trapezium replacement with polyurethane implants.
- Clinical outcomes (pain relief, thumb function) were assessed at three years.
- Radiographic examinations were performed to evaluate implant stability and tissue reactions.
Main Results:
- Three implants (12%) were removed due to dislocation and pain.
- The remaining 22 patients reported pain relief and improved thumb function, comparable to silicone implant series.
- Half of the implants showed subluxation on radiographic examination.
- No bone resorption or adverse tissue reactions were observed around the implants.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane trapezium implants provide clinical results comparable to silicone implants for CMC arthrosis.
- Implant subluxation is a significant concern, potentially related to implant design or material properties.
- Further research into implant design and material encapsulation is warranted to improve stability.