Operative treatment of rhizarthrosis with trapezectomy and suspension of the first metacarpal with a Mini TightRope

The aim of this work was to examine the utility of the Mini TightRope(®) after trapezectomy and suspension of the first metacarpal in cases of clinically manifest rhizarthrosis. 31 Patients (26 female, 5 male, mean age 57.9 years) with primary rhizarthrosis were treated with a trapezectomy and suspension of the first metacarpal with a Mini TightRope(®) (cost 225 Euro). In the course of a retrospective study, all patients underwent a clinical and radiological re-examination at an average of 13.5 (6-22) months. To assess the therapy, a clinical and radiological examination as well as the score of Buck-Gramcko were used. 74.2% of the patients obtained good and very good results, 12.9% achieved satisfactory or poor outcomes. In 2 patients the Mini Tight-Rope(®) had to be removed due to a proximalisation of the first metacarpal and strong pain in rest and motion after 6-7 months. Whereas the distance between the distal scaphoid pole and the base of the first metacarpal postoperatively averaged 11.1 (8-14) mm, it averaged 5.3 (0-10.2) mm in the follow-up examination. With the presented procedure it is possible to achieve in the majority of the treated patients good and very good results. 2 early removals of the implants, a documented proximalisation in spite of the implant and the price of the Mini TightRope(®) of currently 225 Euro need to be discussed critically.