Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and loss of hand function in postmenopausal women. Many surgical treatments have been described and recent literature has show that the relatively simple trapeziectomy gives equal results and less complications, when compared to other techniques such as ligament reconstructions and interpositions. A relatively new treatment modality, which has been further developed in recent years is the total joint arthroplasty. Randomized prospective trials and long-term results are lacking, but prospective cohorts show a faster recovery and good results after one year, without an increase in complication rate.

We hypothesize that a total joint arthroplasty gives a better objective and subjective result after one year than a trapeziectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women.
• 40 years of age or more.
• Symptomatic trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.
• Eaton & Glickel stage 2 and 3.

Exclusion Criteria:

• An operation for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis on the same hand in the past.
• Participation in randomized clinical trial for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis with contralateral hand.
• Secondary trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis as result of trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus or gout.
• Symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome in same hand.
• Symptomatic Quervain's tenosynovitis in same hand.
• Neurological or other disorders of the affected side that can influence postoperative rehabilitation.
• Insufficient knowledge of Dutch language.