Denervation of the Joints of the Hand and Wrist: Surgical Techniques and a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Surgical denervation as a treatment strategy for pain in hand osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Surgical denervation has been proposed as a treatment for pain in hand osteoarthritis (OA). This review aimed to summarise the available evidence and to propose a research agenda.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed up to September 2022. Two investigators independently identified studies that reported on denervation for OA of the proximal interphalangeal, distal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal or carpometacarpal joints. Quality of studies was assessed and study characteristics, patient characteristics, details of the surgical technique and outcomes of the surgery were extracted.

RESULTS

Of 169 references, 17 articles reporting on 384 denervations in 351 patients were selected. Sixteen case series reported positive outcomes with respect to pain, function and patient satisfaction. One non-randomised clinical trial reported no difference in outcome when comparing denervation of the first carpometacarpal (CMC I) joint to trapeziectomy. Adverse events were frequent, with sensory abnormalities occurring the most, followed by the need for revision surgery. All studies had significant risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Surgical denervation for pain in hand OA shows some promise, but the available evidence does not allow any conclusions of efficacy and higher-quality research is needed. Techniques should be harmonised and more data regarding how denervation compares to current usual care, other denervation methods or placebo in terms of outcomes and adverse events are needed.

Denervation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint for symptomatic osteoarthritis in 46 patients

We investigated the effect of an extended denervation procedure in the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint in patients suffering from CMC osteoarthritis. Between 2006 and 2018, 46 patients underwent the procedure in our clinic and were included in this retrospective study. Pain, strength, range of motion, DASH score, complications and overall satisfaction were determined. Assessment showed a significant decrease in pain and excellent physical function at a median 5 years' follow-up. Twelve patients needed secondary surgery due to persistent pain. Overall, 28 of the 46 patients were satisfied with the results of the denervation. Even though the results of CMC denervation are poorer than with simple trapeziectomy, considerable pain relief can be achieved in selected young, physically active patients by exclusively soft-tissue surgery, conserving the biomechanical properties of the joint. In case of failure of the procedure, all other options remain available.