• OBJECTIVE
    • Creation of a pain-free, flexible and stable (pseudo) joint between the carpus and the base of the 1st metacarpal bone.
  • INDICATIONS
    • Painful carpometacarpal (CMC)‑I joint due to primary or secondary osteoarthritis, CMC‑I instability.
  • CONTRAINDICATIONS
    • Carpal instability, local infection, tumors.
  • SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
    • Resection of the trapezium (and of the arthritic joint surfaces in CMC‑I and STT [scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid-joint]), stabilization of the base of the 1st metacarpal bone by suspension with a distally pedicled strip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon or variants thereof.
  • POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
    • Immobilization in a splint for 3-5 weeks, followed by hand therapy.
  • RESULTS
    • Worldwide for almost 40 years, regardless of the exact technique, almost always (90%) significant pain reduction, increased strength in the grip and slightly less in the pinch grip, very good mobility, 85-95% very satisfied patients and very good long-term results.