Electra trapezio metacarpal prosthesis: results of the first 100 cases

The Elektra trapeziometacarpal prosthesis is a cementless, unconstrained prosthesis made by Fixano with titanium and chrome-cobalt steel. This paper examines the results of the first 100 prostheses used by the author for one indication only, viz. painful trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The average follow-up period was 54 (range 36-78) months. Studies of pain, mobility and grip and pinch strength were carried out, the results of which were good in 83 cases. Seven dislocations occurred. Five of these were following severe trauma. The commonest complication was a lack of osteointegration of the trapezial part of the prosthesis, which occurred in 15 cases. Sinking into the metacarpal of the distal stem occurred early in the series in two cases. Some others complications were observed: allergy to the metal (one case), fracture after direct trauma of the thumb (one case) and very painful osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint (one case).