Arthrodesis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint using a quadrangular plate: surgical technique and long-term results of 70 patients

Purpose To assess the long-term results of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis using a quadrangular plate, regarding clinical, radiological and functional outcomes, as well as development of complications. Material and method From 2005 to 2015, 70 patients were treated at our institution for primary osteoarthrosis of thumb carpometacarpal joint performing a trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis. A total of 85 arthrodesis were carried out using a titanium quadrangular plate (Proflyle plate, Stryker ® , Kalamazoo MI, USA), without grafting in any case. Pre- and postoperative functional data were assessed at the outpatient clinics using DASH, MWS and VAS. All patients were asked for their ability to perform basic daily activities before and after surgery. All patients were also asked about satisfaction and their return to their jobs after surgery. Pre- and postoperative radiological data were also assessed. Results There were 59 females and 11 males with an average age of 55 years (range 44–60). In 66 cases arthrodesis was carried out in the dominant hand, in 45 cases the right thumb was involved, and in 40 the left thumb was involved; in 15 cases arthrodesis was carried out bilaterally. Preoperative average DASH score was 64 (range 50–85), postoperative average score was 25 (range 5–61). Regarding MWS, 51 patients obtained excellent results, 15 patients obtained good results and 4 patients referred poor results. The preoperative average score of VAS was 6 (range 5–10), which decrease to an average of 2 (range 0–3) after surgery; all those differences were statistically significant. All patients reported a mild loss of motion; however, all of them reported improvement to carry out daily activities. There were four cases of nonunion because of failure of fixation and two cases with dysesthetic scar. There was no development of osteoarthritis in adjacent joints. The average follow-up was 60 months. Conclusions The use of quadrangular plates for arthrodesis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is a safety and reproducible technique with a low rate of complications. Arthrodesis decreases pain and improves function in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint; in spite of a mild loss of motion, patients are satisfied with this procedure.