This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal My Folders Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hobby, J. L. Articles by Meggitt, B. F. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hobby, J. L. Articles by Meggitt, B. F.

First metacarpal osteotomy for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Broomfield Hospital, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 5ET, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Mr J. L. Hobby at 5 Beckett Close, Westley, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3RA, UK.

We report a long-term follow-up of abduction-extension osteotomy of the first metacarpal, performed for painful trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Of a consecutive series of 50 operations, 41 thumbs (82%) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 6.8 years. Good or excellent pain relief was achieved in 80%, and 93% considered that surgery had improved hand function, while 82% had normal grip and pinch strength, with restoration of thumb abduction. Metacarpal osteotomy was equally successful in relieving symptoms of those with early (grade 2) and moderate (grade 3) degenerative changes. This simple procedure provides lasting pain relief, corrects adduction contracture and restores grip and pinch strength, giving good results with few complications.