Variation in Offer of Operative Treatment to Patients With Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Genetics may affect the risk of undergoing surgery for rhizarthrosis

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent and severe disease. Involvement of the trapeziometacarpal joint is common and can lead to both pain and disability. Genetics are known to affect the risk of osteoarthritis, but it remains unclear how genetics affect disease trajectories. In this study, we investigated whether the genetic associations of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (rhizarthrosis) vary with the need for surgical treatment. The study was conducted as a case-control genome-wide association study using individuals from the Copenhagen Hospital Biobank pain and degenerative musculoskeletal disease study and the Danish Blood Donor Study (N = 208,342). We identified patients diagnosed with rhizarthrosis and grouped them by treatment status, resulting in two case groups: surgical (N = 1083) and nonsurgical (N = 1888). The case groups were tested against osteoarthritis-free controls in two genome-wide association studies. We then compared variants suggestive of association (p < 10-6) in either of these analyses directly between the treatment groups (surgical vs. nonsurgical rhizarthrosis). We identified 10 variants suggestive of association with either surgical (seven variants) or nonsurgical (three variants) rhizarthrosis. None of the variants reached nominal significance in the opposite treatment group (p ≥ 0.14), and all 10 variants were significantly different between the treatment groups at a false discovery rate of 5%. These results suggest possible differences in the genetic associations of rhizarthrosis depending on surgical treatment. Clinical significance: Uncovering genetic differences between clinically distinct patient groups can reveal biological determinants of disease trajectories.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Early Osteoarthritis of the First Carpometacarpal Joint

BACKGROUND

The goals of this study are to describe the reoperation rates in patients who underwent Wilson osteotomy compared with patients who underwent carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty for early-stage arthritis and to evaluate the factors influencing the patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospectively, 52 patients who underwent surgery for stage I/II osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal were identified, consisting of 17 (33%) patients who underwent Wilson osteotomy and 35 (67%) who underwent carpometacarpal arthroplasty. A total of 28 (55%) patients completed the outcome questionnaires, consisting of 11 (39%) patients who underwent Wilson osteotomy and 17 (61%) patients who underwent carpometacarpal arthroplasty. We performed a multivariable linear regression model to identify factors associated with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain intensity at final follow-up.

RESULTS

Among the patients who underwent CMC arthroplasty, 2 had a reoperation. Among the patients who underwent Wilson osteotomy, 3 had a reoperation. Among the patients who completed the outcome questionnaires, the median quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 10 and the median NRS Pain Intensity score was 0. In multivariable analysis, the postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference (PROMIS PI) was independently associated with higher postoperative NRS pain scores.

CONCLUSION

In younger patients with stage I/II CMC osteoarthritis, Wilson osteotomy may be a reasonable alternative to CMC arthroplasty. Outcomes were similar between both groups at mid-term follow-up, with only a slightly higher pain score in the osteotomy group. In patients with stage I/II carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, the PROMIS PI is the main factor indicating successful outcomes.

Prevalence of complications and association with patient-reported outcomes after trapeziectomy with a Weilby sling: A cohort study

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this study was to report complications during the first year after trapeziectomy with Weilby sling using a standardized tool designed by the International Consortium for Health Outcome Measures. The secondary aim was to determine the association of complications and patient-reported outcomes 12 months after surgery.

METHODS

We included patients who underwent trapeziectomy with Weilby sling between November 2013 and December 2018. All complications during the first year were scored using the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Complications in Hand and Wrist conditions (ICHAW) tool. Pain and hand function were measured before surgery and 12 months after surgery using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Minimally Important Change thresholds of 18.6 for MHQ pain and 9.4 for MHQ function were used to determine clinical importance.

RESULTS

Of 531 patients after trapeziectomy with Weilby sling, 65% had an uneventful recovery, 16% experienced ICHAW Grade 1 deviations only, and 19% experienced Grade 2 or 3 deviations, including requiring antibiotics, corticosteroid injections, or additional surgery. On average, patients improved in pain and hand function, even in the presence of ICHAW events. Although all ICHAW grades were associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes 12 months after surgery, Grade 2 and 3 exceeded the Minimally Important Change threshold for pain and/or function.

CONCLUSIONS

In 531 patients, 65% had an uneventful recovery, 16% experienced ICHAW Grade 1 deviations only, and 19% experienced grade 2 or 3 deviations. We recommend describing Grade 1 as "adverse protocol deviations" and grade 2 and 3 as complications, because of clinically relevant poorer patient-reported outcomes 12 months after surgery. The ICHAW is a promising tool to evaluate systematically and compare complications in hand surgery, although we recommend further evaluation.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

¿Cómo influyen los trastornos del estado de ánimo en el paciente con Rizartrosis?

Objetivo La ansiedad y/o depresión juegan un papel fundamental en la forma en la que el paciente afronta la patología osteoarticular. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el impacto de los trastornos del estado de ánimo en la artrosis trapeciometacarpiana (TMC).

Materiales y Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes diagnosticados de rizartrosis entre enero de 2018 y enero de 2020. Se recogieron tanto los factores clínicos y demográficos: edad, género, índice de masa corporal (IMC), y diagnóstico de ansiedad y/o depresión; así como los propios de la patología: lateralidad, grado de rizartrosis, fuerza de puño, y fuerza de pinza. También se evaluaron los puntajes en la escala visual analógica de dolor (EVA) y la versión corta del cuestionario de Discapacidades del Brazo, Hombro y Mano (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand – QuickDASH, en inglés).

Resultados Fueron revisados 107 pacientes (85% de mujeres) con edad media de 59,48 ± 7,5 años e IMC medio de 28,29 Kg/m2. El 21,5% de los pacientes estaban diagnosticados de ansiedad y/o depresión, el 51,4% presentaban lateralidad izquierda, y el 48,6%, derecha. Según la Escala de Eaton, el 54.2% de los pacientes eran grado III, y el 45,8%, IV. La fuerza media de puño fue de 15,64 Kg, y la de pinza, de 3,37 Kg. El puntaje medio en la EVA fue de 8,28, y en el QuickDASH, de 65,94.

Se encontró una asociación estadística significativa entre el diagnóstico de ansiedad y/o depresión y el género (p = 0.023), la fuerza de pinza (p = 0,007), y el QuickDASH (p = 0.004). No se vio esta relación estadística con otros parámetros. La significación respecto a la fuerza de pinza desapareció al corregir por género.

Conclusión La presencia de ansiedad y/o depresión en los pacientes con rizartrosis se asocia con el género femenino y con una peor valoración de la funcionalidad por parte del paciente (puntajes altos en el QuickDASH), pero no con el dolor según la EVA. Esto nos indica la importancia de siempre considerar los trastornos del estado de ánimo cuando estudiemos a nuestros pacientes, dada su influencia en la percepción de la patología osteoarticular.

Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthrodesis Using a Cannulated Compression Screw and Locking Plate Construct

Background: Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthrodesis is an established surgical option for the treatment of basal joint osteoarthritis. It has traditionally been indicated in younger, higher demand patients who would benefit from the increased strength afforded by a stable thumb base. Trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis has a higher reported complication rate than other treatment options, including nonunion and symptomatic hardware. Description of Technique: We describe a novel construct for TMC joint arthrodesis using a cannulated headless screw to compress the arthrodesis site and a low-profile locking plate to neutralize the considerable musculotendinous forces crossing the joint. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 10 patients treated with this fusion construct between June 2019 and February 2021. Results: The average patient age was 56.5 years; 7 patients were female and 3 were male. The mean pain score, on a 0 to 10 point scale, decreased from 7.2 preoperatively to 1.6 at final postoperative follow-up. All patients achieved bony union; none underwent removal of hardware. Conclusions: Given the high reported rate of nonunion following TMC arthrodesis in the literature, improvements in surgical technique are needed. In a small cohort of patients, we report favorable outcomes with a new technique for TMC arthrodesis.

Pyrocarbon Disc Interposition Arthroplasty (PyroDisk) for the Treatment of Carpometacarpal Thumb Joint Osteoarthritis

In cases of isolated carpometacarpal (CMC) thumb joint osteoarthritis, a hemitrapeziectomy can be performed. To address the risk of subsidence of the first metacarpal, a pyrocarbon disc has been designed as an interposition prosthesis. The disc is made of pyrolytic carbon with the same elastic modulus as cortical bone, making it resistant to wear from surrounding bone. This property contributes to preservation of thumb length and prevents subsidence. The present video article shows the pyrocarbon disc interposition arthroplasty step by step. The procedure results in substantial pain reduction with good function and strength at long-term follow-up. The complication rate is comparable with that of other surgical tendinoplasties for CMC thumb joint osteoarthritis. The survival rate has been reported to be 91% at a minimum follow-up of 5 years^1-3. CMC thumb joint osteoarthritis is a common pathology. If symptoms remain despite splinting and hand therapy, surgical treatment is often performed. The simple trapeziectomy is seen as the reference standard, with good results and fewer complications compared with other surgical procedures^4-6. Despite this fact, many surgeons still prefer to combine trapeziectomy with a tendinoplasty in order to reduce the risk of proximal migration and impingement of the first metacarpal on the scaphoid^7-9. However, the volume and stiffness of autologous tendons are far less than that of the trapezial bone. This might be one of the reasons that trapeziectomy with tendinoplasty does not lead to better results than simple trapeziectomy. To overcome the disadvantages of a tendinoplasty, the PyroDisk (Integra LifeSciences) was introduced for CMC thumb joint osteoarthritis to preserve thumb length and provide more stability than other traditional techniques. The disc is designed to be utilized after a distal hemitrapeziectomy for patients with CMC thumb joint osteoarthritis without involvement of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joint.

Description

Preoperatively, review radiology images to confirm that the osteoarthritis is limited to the thumb CMC joint and that all appropriate tools for inserting the disc are available before beginning surgery. Next, the patient is placed with their arm on an arm rest. The CMC thumb joint is exposed via a dorsal longitudinal skin incision, sparing the dorsal radial nerve branches and the radial artery and accompanying venes. The capsule is opened with an H-incision. With 2 parallel cuts to the joint surface, the articular surfaces of the joint are removed. After resection of the articular joint surfaces, the residual width and height of the joint space after resection are measured. The central point in the joint surfaces is marked for the bone tunnels. With an awl, tunnels are created from the center of the joint surface to the proximal (trapezial bone) and distal (first metacarpal bone) and the dorsal side. The implant size is measured with the trial implants for correct size of the disc. A tendon strip of either APL (abductor pollicis longus) or FCR (flexor carpi radialis) tendon is harvested for use securing the disc. The disc is secured with the tendon strip from proximal through the trapezium, through the disc and distal through the first metacarpal, and is secured to itself at the trapezial bone. The position is checked under fluoroscopy. When the disc in the right position, the joint capsule and skin are closed and a plaster cast is applied with the thumb in abduction.

Alternatives

Alternative treatments include hemitrapeziectomy without interposition; full trapeziectomy, with or without ligament reconstruction and/or tendon interposition; and joint resurfacing prostheses.

Rationale

The advantage of pyrocarbon disc interposition arthroplasty over other treatment options is the preservation of the STT joint¹. Therefore, the procedure is minimally harming the surrounding anatomy despite open surgery and has a high success rate in reducing pain while preserving function and strength. The risk of complications is comparable with that of other CMC joint arthroplasty techniques. A relatively high survival rate has been reported at a mean follow-up of 7 years (range, 5 to 12 years). In cases of recurrent pain, all other surgical options remain possible ("no bridges are burned"). The main disadvantage is the cost of the disc.

Expected Outcomes

Our recent study of this technique showed good patient-reported outcomes, pain reduction, patient satisfaction, and preservation of strength and range of motion at a mean follow-up of 7 years^1,2. The survival rate was 91%, with 3% failing as a result of disc dislocation. Other reasons of failure were STT osteoarthritis and pain without a specific cause.

Important Tips

Preoperatively, make sure that only the CMC thumb joint has osteoarthritis and that the STT joint does not. In cases in which it is unclear whether the osteoarthritis is isolated to the CMC thumb joint, perform computed tomography to make certain¹⁰.Only a few millimeters of bone must be resected from the first metacarpal base and the distal trapezium. Both bone cuts must be made parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first metacarpal bone.Bone tunnels must be exactly centered in the cut joint surfaces for proper implant positioning and to decrease the chance of subluxation.Size the implant properly and check movement and stability.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

OR = operating roomFCR = flexor carpi radialisAPL = abductor pollicis longusPRWHE = Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand EvaluationDASH = Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand QuestionnaireMHQ = Michigan Hand QuestionnaireROM = range of motionFU = follow-upCRPS = complex regional pain syndromeLRTI = ligament reconstruction and tendon interpositionMRI = magnetic resonance imagingCT = computed tomography.

Surgeons Attitude toward Psychosocial Aspects of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Background There is notable evidence that unhelpful thoughts (symptoms of anxiety and depression) increase symptom intensity among patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA). Surgeons may or may not be mindful of this line of evidence when interacting with patients. In a survey-based experiment, we randomized surgeons to be prompted about the psychosocial aspects of TMC OA. We aimed to measure the influence of mindfulness of mental health on treatment recommendations and willingness to discuss mental health interventions.

Methods We randomized 121 hand surgeons to read one of two paragraphs: (A) about biomedical treatment options for TMC OA, or (B) about the impact of mental and social aspects on TMC OA. Thereafter, surgeons were asked several questions about their opinions and treatment recommendations.

Results We found that prompting surgeons with information about the psychosocial aspects of TMC OA did not influence their attitudes or treatment recommendations. Most surgeons were willing to offer patients a workbook (92%) or psychologist referral (84%). Among the few surgeons declining to refer, their reasoning was “it would not be of any help” and “stigmatization.”

Conclusion The observation that a paragraph to encourage mindfulness about the psychosocial aspects of TMC OA, which had no influence on surgeon opinions, suggests that awareness may not be a major factor accounting the relatively limited implementation of this evidence in practice to date. Surgeons seem aware of the importance of psychological influence and barriers may include availability, stigma, and a sense of futility. This is a diagnostic study that reflects level of evidence III.

Which tendon plasty has the best outcome? A comparison of four tendon plasty techniques in a large cohort of patients with symptomatic trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA) is commonly treated with a trapeziectomy combined with a form of tendon plasty. The type of tendon plasty used is based on surgeons' preference. The purpose of this observational study is to compare the outcomes of four different tendon plasties combined with trapeziectomy used to treat TMC OA: the Weilby, Burton-Pellegrini, Zancolli and Anchovy plasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients treated with a trapeziectomy followed by a tendon plasty completed patient-reported outcome measures at baseline and twelve months postoperatively. The primary outcome is the Michigan Hand outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) pain subscale. Secondary outcomes are the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of MHQ pain, MHQ hand function, satisfaction, and complication rate.

RESULTS

793 patients received a trapeziectomy with a tendon plasty between November 2013 and December 2018. There was no difference in pain score after twelve months between the four tendon plasty techniques. Patients undergoing an Anchovy plasty had a higher chance of reaching the MCID for MHQ pain compared to the other techniques (OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2-4.6)). Overall, more than 80% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment outcome, independent of which technique was used. Complication rates of the different techniques were similar.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of TMC OA reduced pain after twelve months, independent of which tendon plasty was used. Patients receiving an Anchovy plasty were more likely to experience a clinically relevant improvement in pain, whilst having a similar hand function, satisfaction, and complication rate. This suggests that Anchovy plasty is the preferred tendon plasty.

Depression and Anxiety Screening Identifies Patients That may Benefit From Treatment Regardless of Existing Diagnoses

Background

This study investigated the utility of depression and anxiety symptom screening in patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty to examine differences in active symptoms according to patients' mental health diagnoses and associated prescription medications.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed 594 patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty at a tertiary practice between June 2018 and December 2018. Patients completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurements Information System (PROMIS) Depression and Anxiety Computerized Adaptive Tests in clinic quantifying active symptoms. Mental health diagnoses and associated medications were extracted from health records. Statistical analysis assessed between-group differences in mean PROMIS scores and the prevalence of heightened depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Results

Multivariable linear regression modeling demonstrated that being diagnosed with depression without medication (β 7.1; P < .001) and with medication (β 8.6; P < .001) were each associated with higher PROMIS Depression scores. Similar modeling demonstrated that patients diagnosed with anxiety and prescribed an anxiolytic (β 8.4; P < .001) were associated with higher PROMIS Anxiety scores than undiagnosed patients. Eighty-six (15%) patients experienced heightened anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Heightened depressive symptoms were more prevalent among those diagnosed with depression (19% without medication, 24% with antidepressant vs 5% undiagnosed: P < .001). Heightened anxiety symptoms were most prevalent among those diagnosed with anxiety and on anxiolytic medication (25% vs 7% diagnosed with anxiety without medication, 8% undiagnosed: P < .001).

Conclusion

One in seven arthroplasty patients screened reported heightened depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. Despite the majority of arthroplasty patients on antidepressants and anxiolytics having symptoms controlled, these patients remain at increased risk of heightened active symptoms.

Total joint replacement for osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb: why and how?

Total joint replacement has certain advantages over other surgical treatment methods for osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, including restoration of thumb length and alignment, good cosmetical result, fast recovery of hand function and prevention of iatrogenic complications at neighbouring joints. Disadvantages include the technical difficulty to perform this surgery and a possible higher complication rate. A meticulous surgical technique is mandatory. Combined with a cementless and modular ball-in-socket implant with a metal-on-polyethylene friction couple, a 10-year survival rate higher than 90% can be expected. Revision surgery is possible with implant exchange or conversion to trapeziectomy.

Effect of Tendon Strip (FCR vs APL) on Outcome of CMC Thumb Joint Arthroplasty With Pyrocarbon Disk Interposition

BACKGROUND

Pyrocarbon disk interposition for carpometacarpal (CMC) thumb joint osteoarthritis can be performed with a flexor carpi radialis (FCR) or abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon strip. With the FCR technique, a ligament reconstruction is performed in addition to disk fixation, whereas with the APL technique the disk is simply secured in place. Our aim is to compare long-term postoperative outcomes between both techniques.

METHODS

In this observational study, we included 106 patients in 2 centers operated on between 2006 and 2011. We assigned patients to the FCR group or the APL group based on the respective tendon strip used. As a primary outcome, we analyzed postoperative key pinch. In addition, we analyzed postoperative tip pinch and tripod pinch, grip strength, range of motion, thumb height maintenance, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

RESULTS

The analysis showed clinically important stronger key pinch for the APL group (β = 1.28 kg). Tip pinch and grip strength showed higher outcome for the FCR group (β = 1.22 kg and 5.14 kg, respectively). Palmar abduction was in favor of the FCR group and opposition in favor of the APL group, but these were interpreted as not clinically relevant. Radiological thumb height maintenance and PROMs showed no clinical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Pyrocarbon disk interposition arthroplasty for CMC thumb joint osteoarthritis can be secured with an APL or FCR tendon strip. At long-term follow-up, use of an APL tendon strip results in significantly higher key pinch and better opposition. Tip pinch, grip strength, and palmar abduction were better after use of the FCR tendon strip. The choice of the tendon strip can be based on outcomes considered most important for the individual patient.

Investigating Molecular Signatures Underlying Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis Through the Evaluation of Systemic Cytokine Expression

Purpose

Non-operative management of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMOA) demonstrates only short-term symptomatic alleviation, and no approved disease modifying drugs exist to treat this condition. A key issue in these patients is that radiographic disease severity can be discordant with patient reported pain, illustrating the need to identify molecular mediators of disease. This study characterizes the biochemical profile of TMOA patients to elucidate molecular mechanisms driving TMOA progression.

Methods

Plasma from patients with symptomatic TMOA undergoing surgical (n=39) or non-surgical management (n=44) with 1-year post-surgical follow-up were compared using a targeted panel of 27 cytokines. Radiographic (Eaton-Littler), anthropometric, longitudinal pain (VAS, TASD, quick DASH) and functional (key pinch, grip strength) data were used to evaluate relationships between structure, pain, and systemic cytokine expression. Principal Component Analysis was used to identify clusters of patients.

Results

Patients undergoing surgery had greater BMI as well as higher baseline quick DASH, TASD scores. Systemically, these patients could only be distinguished by differing levels of Interleukin-7 (IL-7), with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.22 for surgery for those with increased levels of this cytokine. Interestingly, PCA analysis of all patients (regardless of surgical status) identified a subset of patients with an “inflammatory” phenotype, as defined by a unique molecular signature consisting of thirteen cytokines.

Conclusion

Overall, this study demonstrated that circulating cytokines are capable of distinguishing TMOA disease severity, and identified IL-7 as a target capable of differentiating disease severity with higher levels associated with a decreased likelihood of TMOA needing surgical intervention. It also identified a cluster of patients who segregate based on a molecular signature of select cytokines.

Factors Associated With Surgical Intervention for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the initial clinical factors associated with surgical intervention for osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

METHODS

The study included patients who first visited our hand surgery clinic, were given the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint between May 2012 and January 2015, and were observed for more than 3 years. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to whether they had undergone surgery during the follow-up period. The following variables were extracted and included in a bivariate analysis: sex, age, age at onset, disease duration, dominant hand, pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and during use, night pain, Eaton classification, use of an orthosis, number of injections, tender area, range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength, Kapandji abduction index, palmar abduction distance, grind test results, CMC joint shape on radiographs, dorsal subluxation ratio, volar tilt of the metacarpal, presence or absence of ossicles, and the surgeon who recommended the surgery. Variables with P values less than .05 in the bivariate analysis were included in a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The study included 80 thumbs of 48 patients. Pain scores at rest and during use, and the dorsal subluxation ratio were identified as factors significantly associated with surgical intervention in the bivariate analysis. The subsequent logistic regression analysis including these factors as explanatory variables also identified the VAS score at rest and dorsal subluxation ratio as significantly associated with surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The VAS score at rest and the dorsal subluxation ratio at the first clinical visit were associated with the likelihood of future surgical intervention within 3 years in patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Risk Factors for Failed Nonsurgical Treatment Resulting in Surgery on Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis

PURPOSE

The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the second most common site of osteoarthritis in the hand, yet reported symptoms and ultimate treatment decisions are not simply a function of radiographic appearance. This study aimed to determine the patient- and/or disease-related factors associated with patients undergoing surgical treatment of thumb CMC arthritis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,994 patients with thumb CMC arthritis treated at 2 institutions between February 2015 and November 2018. Patient demographic and clinical information was obtained from medical records to characterize treatment modalities before hand surgeon evaluation, mental and physical comorbidities, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System assessments. After bivariate analysis, a multivariable logistic regression model evaluated factors associated with undergoing thumb CMC surgery.

RESULTS

This cohort was predominately female (70%) and white (91%), mean age at first appointment, 62 ± 10 years. A total of 170 patients underwent surgery for thumb CMC arthritis (9%) at a median of 114 days (interquartile range, 27-328) after the first visit. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression scores correlated with Pain Interference and Physical Function scores. A history of diagnosed depression or anxiety was associated with less perceived Physical Function at presentation. However, only prior contralateral thumb CMC surgery, younger patient age, and treating institution were associated with undergoing surgery in regression modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain and functional limitations associated with thumb CMC arthritis are influenced by mental health comorbidities, but these factors do not predict surgical treatment. Instead, patients' prior surgical experience and surgeon attitudes toward thumb CMC arthritis appear to have a strong influence on the odds of patients undergoing surgery for thumb CMC arthritis.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Revision of trapeziectomy failures in thumb base osteoarthritis: retrospective analysis of ten cases and review of the literature

Controversy persists around trapeziectomy as standard of care in thumb base osteoarthritis. The difficulty of management of failure requires the utmost caution in choice of the initial technique. We here report a retrospective series of 10 revision procedures following trapeziectomy, supported by a review of literature. The main cause of revision was collapse of the thumb column resulting in arthrogenic contact of the first metacarpal with the scaphoid. At a mean 73.3 months' follow-up, 5 patients had to undergo additional surgery. Mean VAS pain score was 2.9; 5 patients were pain-free. Strength was more severely impaired than joint motion, resulting in disappointing functional results. The present outcomes are consistent with the literature, which mostly comprises heterogeneous series, making it impossible draw conclusions to guide practice. The most common option seems to be to perform a new ligament procedure, with or without tendon or pyrocarbon interposition, and was the one that provided the only good result in the present series. Other techniques (composite graft, non-autogenic interposition, scaphometacarpal prosthesis) seem promising, and deserve large-scale evaluation. Thus, the gold-standard status of trapeziectomy should be weighed against the observation of these multi-operated patients in situations of therapeutic impasse. Should indications for first-line trapeziectomy be restricted, especially in patients with a revision risk factor? LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: Prognostic Indicators and Timing of Further Intervention Following Corticosteroid Injection

PURPOSE

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to treat thumb carpometacarpal arthritis in adults. We aimed to define the timing of surgery following an initial corticosteroid injection and identify patient-specific factors that influence the likelihood of repeat injection or surgery.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent a first-time corticosteroid injection for carpometacarpal arthritis between 2009 and 2017. Demographic information, radiographic classification, additional nonsurgical therapies, complications, and outcomes were collected. Primary outcomes were repeat injection and surgical reconstruction. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to characterize the timing of surgical intervention and Cox regression modeling was used to identify predictors of subsequent intervention.

RESULTS

Two-hundred thirty-nine patients (average age, 62.9 years) were identified, of which 141 (59.0%) had a repeat injection and 90 (37.6%) underwent surgery. There were no patient-specific characteristics associated with repeat injection. Eaton stage III/IV arthritis at initial presentation, current smoking status, and prior ipsilateral hand surgery were associated with an increased likelihood of surgery. By Kaplan-Meier analyses, 87.7% of patients who presented with Eaton III/IV arthritis did not have surgery within a year and 66.7% of these patients did not have surgery within 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective observational cohort study with 10-year follow-up from a 4-surgeon practice, advanced radiographic arthritis, current smoking status, and a history of ipsilateral hand surgery were patient-specific factors that predicted progression to surgery following injection. Of patients who presented with advanced radiographic arthritis, one-third underwent surgery within 5 years of initial injection. Although injection efficacy and causality cannot be inferred based on an observational longitudinal analysis, these data identify patient-specific factors that may have an impact on surgical decision-making and a potential timeframe for future intervention.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.