Tendon Suspension Sling Arthroplasty for Thumb Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis

Forty consecutive tendon suspension sling arthroplasties for relief of pantrapezial osteoarthritis in 38 patients were reviewed. The procedure consists of excision of the trapezium and reconstitution of the tethering action of the first intermetacarpal and the palmar oblique carpometacarpal ligaments; 50% of the distally based flexor carpi radialis tendon is used. A double figure-eight sling suspends the first metacarpal securely, followed by distal advancement of the abductor pollicis longus to tighten the sling and palmarly abduct the thumb ray. The technique resulted in relief of pain, preservation of strength, maintenance of a normally contoured first web space, and functional carpometacarpal range of motion. Procedures were performed over a 4-year period (1986 to 1990), with an average follow-up of 21 months. At final follow-up, 85% of the patients had minimal symptoms; key pinch and grip strengths measured 76% and 81% of the contralateral uninvolved side, respectively. The logic of the mechanical design of the procedure and encouraging subjective and objective follow-up at 4 years make the technique of tendon suspension sling arthroplasty an attractive alternative to existing procedures for the surgical management of recalcitrant and disabling osteoarthritis of the basilar thumb joint.