Total joint arthroplasty versus trapeziectomy in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty, with or without supervised hand rehabilitation: A quasi-experimental trial

Introduction

Aim of this study was to determine whether postoperative supervised rehabilitation improves functional outcomes after trapeziometacarpal (TMC) total joint arthroplasty (TJA), compared to education alone.

Method

A quasi-experimental before-after trial included 31 women (≥40 years) per group diagnosed with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis who underwent TJA. A cohort (n = 31) who was given education alone was compared to a cohort (n = 31) who were subjected to supervised rehabilitation. Primary outcome was the difference in hand function 3 months postoperatively, measured by the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHOQ). Other outcomes were the MHOQ subscale scores, the active range of motion, strength, time to return to work, satisfaction and complications.

Results

Patients in the education group had a significantly higher median delta MHOQ score when compared to the rehabilitation group at 3 months; 28.5 (20.5-31.3) versus 15.8 (1.9-21.1), (p = <0.01) and at 12 months 36.6 (26.8 - 47.2) versus 27.4 (14.5 - 33.0), (p = 0.01). Only the secondary outcomes the MHOQ subscales hand function, ADL and satisfaction revealed significant differences in favor of the education group. The education method reduced the median number of hand therapy sessions with eight visits.

Conclusion

The present study does not show a significant or clinically relevant benefit from supervised rehabilitation in terms of functional outcomes following TJA compared to education alone. Based on this, it seems safe to leave patients unsupervised in their recovery following TJA and to suffice with just education, however further exploration of effectiveness and safety of this intervention is recommend in larger trials.

Which would you choose again? Comparison of trapeziometacarpal implant versus resection arthroplasty in the same patient

We invited 14 women who had undergone implant arthroplasty in one thumb and resection-suspension-interposition arthroplasty (RSIA) in the other to a follow-up visit at a median time of 2.2 and 6.2 years after implant and RSIA, respectively. In total, 12 patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome after implant arthroplasty, while eight patients reported this level of satisfaction for RSIA. Of the patients, 10 would choose an implant again, one would choose RSIA and three patients were undecided. The brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score and key pinch and grip strengths were significantly higher at follow-up for the thumb with the implant arthroplasty. Two revision operations were done 1.5 years after RSIA. Patients were satisfied with both procedures, but if they had to choose again, they would prefer implant arthroplasty.Level of evidence: III.

Functional outcome of trapeziometacarpal prostheses in pan-trapezial osteoarthritis

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is frequently associated with scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis. Long-term outcomes have not been reported for trapeziometacarpal protheses in patients with radiological pan-trapezial osteoarthritis that is symptomatic only in the trapeziometacarpal compartment. The primary objective of this retrospective multicenter multi-operator study was to evaluate the effectiveness of trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty for pain relief in patients with radiographic pan-trapezial osteoarthritis without symptomatic scaphotrapeziotrapezoid involvement. A total of 70 thumbs in 67 patients were evaluated by a single independent operator at a mean follow-up of 58 months. Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis severity on Crosby score was stage II in 84% of patients and stage III in 16%. Mean pain score on visual analog scale decreased from 7.7 preoperatively to 1.3 at last follow-up. There were no reoperations at last follow up. These results suggest that, in patients with radiological pan-trapezial osteoarthritis without symptomatic involvement of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint, a trapeziometacarpal prothesis yields good medium-term clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Guideline on managing thumb base osteoarthritis: The British Society for Surgery of the Hand Evidence for Surgical Treatment (BEST) findings and recommendations

This review paper provides a summary of the evidence for non-surgical and surgical management of thumb base osteoarthritis and suggests guidelines through Clinical Practice Recommendations including Good Practice Points and a Patient Flow Algorithm. The guidelines were developed through systematic reviews in accordance with the British Society for Surgery of the Hand Evidence for Surgical Treatment (BEST) Process Manual, which has been accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. A stepwise approach is recommended with initial non-invasive treatment consisting of a comprehensive and multimodal package of supported self-management. Splints should be additionally considered for those who have not responded to a self-management package alone. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections should be considered in those who have not responded to non-invasive treatment. If symptoms fail to resolve, surgery should be considered. Additional procedures such as interposition or ligament reconstruction do not appear to confer any benefit over excision of the trapezium alone.

Efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical treatments for hand osteoarthritis in 2024: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

We aimed to update the 2018 systematic literature review on the efficacy and safety of treatments for hand osteoarthritis (OA), which was based on 126 studies.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search on randomised controlled trials from June 2017 up to 31 December 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. Meta-analyses of previous and new studies regarding the efficacy for pain, function, grip strength and OMERACT/OARSI responders were performed. Certainty of evidence was judged using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) tool.

RESULTS

Sixty-five new studies were included. For non-pharmacological interventions, there was low-certainty evidence for a small long-term effect of hand exercises and a moderate long-term effect of thumb orthoses for pain, and moderate-certainty evidence that assistive devices had a moderate long-term effect on function. Concerning pharmacological interventions, there was low-certainty evidence for a moderate short-term effect of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on pain, high- and moderate-certainty evidence for a small short-term effect of topical NSAIDs and oral glucocorticoids on function, respectively, and low-certainty evidence that oral glucocorticoids had a small short-term effect on function. Further, there was low-certainty evidence that methotrexate had a small long-term effect on pain. The heterogeneity of studies did not allow for any meta-analyses on surgery.

CONCLUSION

The results largely support current treatment recommendations. However, there is a lack of interventions that efficiently improve grip strength, and the evidence for most current treatments is still limited. To better understand action mechanism of different treatments, future trials should include hand OA subtyping and be powered for subgroup analyses.

Immobilization, rehabilitation and complications classification after thumb trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty. A scoping review

The best way of immobilization as well as effectiveness of rehabilitation for trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty is unknown. We aimed to identify and describe the available evidence, practice variation and knowledge gaps. The literature was searched without restrictions. 123 studies were included, reporting 21 types of prosthesis. Reported immobilization types were cast (23%), splint (18%), compression bandage (10%), or combinations (26%). In 19%, immobilization time and type was not reported. Supervised rehabilitation (22%), self-rehabilitation (11%), functional use (11%), or customized rehabilitation (16%) were the rehabilitation forms reported. In 28% rehabilitation type was not described. Two (2%) studies used complication classifications, but time to complication was not described in 53 (43%). Multiple evidence gaps exist; lacking studies comparing types of immobilization protocols as well as rehabilitation regimens after trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty. Currently there is no scientific evidence for any postoperative regime. This means that decision-making is based on clinical experience rather than evidence, explaining the wide practice variation.

A cross-sectional quantitative analysis of the readability and quality of online resources regarding thumb carpometacarpal joint replacement surgery

Background

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition that affects up to 15 ​% of the population older than 30 years. Poor readability of online health resources has been associated with misinformation, inappropriate care, incorrect self-treatment, worse health outcomes, and increased healthcare resource waste. This study aims to assess the readability and quality of online information regarding thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint replacement surgery.

Methods

The terms "thumb joint replacement surgery", "thumb carpometacarpal joint replacement surgery", "thumb cmc joint replacement surgery", "thumb arthroplasty", "thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty", and "thumb cmc arthroplasty" were searched in Google and Bing. Readability was determined using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL). FRES >65 or a grade level score of sixth grade and under was considered acceptable. Quality was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and a modified DISCERN tool. PEMAT scores below 70 were considered poorly understandable and poorly actionable.

Results

A total of 34 websites underwent qualitative analysis. The average FRES was 54.60 ​± ​7.91 (range 30.30-67.80). Only 3 (8.82 ​%) websites had a FRES score >65. The average FKGL score was 8.19 ​± ​1.80 (range 5.60-12.90). Only 3 (8.82 ​%) websites were written at or below a sixth-grade level. The average PEMAT percentage score for understandability and actionability was 76.82 ​± ​9.43 (range 61.54-93.75) and 36.18 ​± ​24.12 (range 0.00-60.00) respectively. Although 22 (64.71 ​%) of websites met the acceptable standard of 70 ​% for understandability, none of the websites met the acceptable standard of 70 ​% for actionability. The average total DISCERN score was 32.00 ​± ​4.29 (range 24.00-42.00).

Conclusions

Most websites reviewed were written above recommended reading levels. Most showed acceptable understandability but none showed acceptable actionability. To avoid the negative outcomes of poor patient understanding of online resources, providers of these resources should optimise accessibility to the average reader by using simple words, avoiding jargon, and analysing texts with readability software before publishing the materials online. Websites should also utilise visual aids and provide clearer pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

Comparative Analysis of Prosthetic (Touch) and Arthroplastic Surgeries for Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis: Functional Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction With a 2-Year Follow-Up

Purpose

Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint prosthesis poses its own challenges for the treatment of TMC arthrosis, especially when compared with the present gold standard, arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to highlight possible outcome differences and patients' satisfaction regarding the treatment of TMC arthrosis.

Methods

We evaluated 100 patients with TMC arthrosis treated in two centers and divided into two groups: group A received TMC prosthesis (Touch), whereas group B was treated with arthroplasty, with a 2-year follow-up period.

Results

In a comparative analysis, findings revealed group A's superiority in the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire scores at 1 and 6 months, with significant differences: 34.6% vs 67.1% and 2% vs 9.1%, respectively (P < .0001). Although group A also showed lower the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire scores at 3 months, this was not statistically significant. Notably, at 1 and 2 years, group A demonstrated better scores without statistical significance. The Kapandji score differed significantly at 6 months: 9.8 vs 9.1 (P = .029). Although the visual analog scale showed generally lower values for the prosthesis group, no statistical differences emerged. Additionally, the M1/M2 ratio became significant postoperatively, favoring group A (P < .05).

Conclusions

Trapeziometacarpal prosthesis shows promise for TMC arthrosis, enhancing function, thumb length, and patient recovery, warranting further research and x-ray guidance.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic III.

[Base-of-thumb osteoarthritis: aspects to be considered with the indication of trapeziectomy and CMC I prosthesis]

Base-of-thumb osteoarthritis is the most frequent osteoarthritis of the hand requiring surgical treatment, although conservative treatment options should be exhausted before surgery. If the wear process progresses with continuing pain-related loss of thumb function, thus leading to a loss of function of the whole hand, surgical treatment is indicated. In 1947, Gervis published results after trapeziectomy and heralded the development of a multitude of different surgical procedures. The long time needed for rehabilitation is a major problem of trapeziectomy with or without tendon interposition and/or suspension. After the implementation of the first CMC I prosthesis by De la Caffiniere 50 years ago, a rapid development took place, leading to the current modular bipolar implants. Especially in the German-speaking world, there is still some scepticism regarding these prostheses, which is why this review aims to illuminate both surgical procedures with a special focus placed on the aspects of indication.

Clinical Significance of Arthroscopic Debridement, Trapeziectomy, and Joint Replacement for Basilar Thumb Joint Arthritis: A Meta-analysis of Pain Score Improvements

Introduction

A meta-analysis was conducted comparing the impact of Arthroscopic debridement (AD), trapeziectomy (TRAP), and joint replacement (JR) on the change in pain scores on patients with Basilar thumb joint arthritis (BTJA).

Methods

Four databases were searched for studies presenting pain outcomes following surgical intervention for BTJA. Pain scores were reported using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and compared against the pre-established threshold for Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 1.65.

Results

Eighteen studies with 763 patients treated with AD(n=102, 13%), TRAP(n=428, 56%), and JR(n=233, 31%) between 2010 and 2023 with a mean follow-up period of 38 ± 28 months were included. There were 25 groups including 4 AD, 14 TRAP, and 7 JR. The mean difference between pre- and post-operative VAS pain was 4.9 ± 2 for all groups. Meta-analysis demonstrated a mean delta VAS of 3.6 (95%CI 1.79-5.38, for AD, 5.1(95%CI, 4.20-6.02) for TRAP and 6.8(95%CI, 5.93-7.97) for JR. ANOVA showed a significant difference between groups (P=0.016). Post-Hoc testing showed a significant difference between AD and JR (P=0.014). A significant improvement in pain scores, surpassing the MCID threshold, was obtained in all surgical interventions. Change in pain score was 2.6 times MCID for AD, 2.9 times for TRAP, and 3.6 times for JR.

Conclusions

All interventions showed significant improvement in pain. Variability in treatment options and improvement depends on patient selection and surgeon's preference. This data can be used to counsel patients regarding the expected pain relief. However, longevity, and long-term outcomes warrant further study.

Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Debridement, Trapeziectomy, and Joint Replacement for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Pre and Postoperative Pain Scores

Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (TMJO) affects up to 33% of postmenopausal women, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and grip strength, with initial treatments focusing on non-surgical options like injections, orthoses, and exercises before considering surgery. A major challenge in managing TMJO involves selecting the optimal surgical strategy that is customized to individual clinical conditions. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three common surgical interventions for TMJO in relieving pain, including arthroscopic debridement (AD), trapeziectomy (TRAP), and joint replacement (JR). PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE databases were queried according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for studies that presented pain outcomes following intervention for TMJO. Pain scores were reported preoperatively and postoperatively using the visual analog scale (VAS). Inclusion criteria included studies published in Q1 and Q2 journals and those with a follow-up of > six months. The final selection comprised 18 studies with 763 patients treated with AD (n = 102, 13%), TRAP (n = 428, 56%), and JR (n = 233, 31%) between 2010 and 2023, with a mean follow-up period of 38 ± 28 months. The studies included a total of 24 groups, five of which received AD, 13 of which received TRAP, and six of which received JR. The mean preoperative VAS was 6.7 ± 1.7, and the mean postoperative VAS was 1.7 ± 1.3 for all groups (P < 0.001). The meta-analysis demonstrated a mean preoperative pain score of 5.8 (95% CI, 4.1-7.5) for AD, 6.6 (95% CI, 5.7-7.5) for TRAP, and 7.8 (95% CI, 7.0-8.7) for JR. Postoperatively, there was a mean pain score of 2.2 (95% CI, 0.1-4.2) for AD, 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.7) for TRAP, and 0.9 (95% CI, 0.6-1.2) for JR. This study showed that, if appropriately indicated, joint preservation with AD may be as effective as TRAP and JR for reducing pain associated with TMJO in the short term. However, the rate of conversion or revision should be assessed in future studies.