Trapeziectomy: Internal Brace vs. Ligament Reconstruction (Prospective)

Trapeziectomy With Internal Brace Versus Ligament Reconstruction With Tendon Interposition; a Prospective Study

This study seeks to compare two methods of trapeziectomy for basilar thumb arthritis. The first is trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition, which means removing the trapezium bone and filling the void with a tendon graft. This is the most commonly used procedure and the control group. The experimental group is trapeziectomy with suture tape suspension of the 1st metacarpal to the 2nd metacarpal. This is using a device called the InternalBrace, produced by Arthrex.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients of Henry Ford Orthopedic Service Line
• Symptomatic basilar thumb arthritis refractory to conservative management

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant medical comorbidity precluding safe surgery, as determined by the operating surgeon. This may include cardiac disease, renal disease, liver disease, pulmonary disease, or heavy substance abuse.
• Requirement for additional procedures at the 1st carpometacarpal joint, including trapezoid excision-whole or partial-or metacarpal osteotomy. Of note other existing conditions requiring intervention on a separate surgical site such as concomitant carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger fingers will NOT be used as exclusion criteria.