Tendon suspension sling arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint: long-term follow-up

Twenty-two tendon suspension sling arthroplasties for thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis were reviewed. Age at operation ranged from 53 to 74 years (average, 65 years); 20 of the 22 patients were women. The average follow-up period was 101 months (range, 63–139 months). At the final follow-up, 18 of 22 thumbs were painless. Grip and side pinch measurements averaged 98% and 79% of unaffected opposite sides, respectively. Range of motion at the trapeziometacarpal joint improved, and the average shortening of the trapezial space was 6.4mm. Function was improved in all cases. The long-term results show that tendon suspension sling arthroplasty is a useful surgical procedure and an attractive alternative to existing tendon interposition arthroplasty with ligament reconstruction.