Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition: a minimum 10-year follow-up

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term (> 10 yrs) outcomes of trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). METHODS: We reviewed 15 cases of trapeziectomy with LRTI performed for the treatment trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Mean follow up was 13.5 yrs (range, 10.5-17.5 yrs). We assessed a number of subjective and objective outcomes. A good outcome was a participant who did not require revision surgery, was satisfied with the outcome of their surgery and did not experience rest pain. RESULTS: No patients had revision surgery and only two patients were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Pain with activity was the strongest predictor of participant satisfaction. DISCUSSION: Approximately half the participants in this study experienced good long-term outcomes. Some participants were experiencing long-term symptoms, particularly pain, despite reporting that they are satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. Alternative techniques should be investigated that provide superior long-term outcomes.