Long-term outcomes of trapeziectomy with Gore-Tex® ligament reconstruction for trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis

• Published in: Orthopaedics & traumatology, surgery & research Vol. 110; no. 2; p. 103366
• Main Authors: Dellestable, Arthur, Cheval, Damien, Kerfant, Nathalie, Stindel, Eric, Le Nen, Dominique, Letissier, Hoël
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01-04-2024
• Subjects: Gore-Tex® ligament reconstruction; Long-term outcomes; Trapeziectomy; Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis; Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis; Long-term outcomes; Gore-Tex® ligament reconstruction; Trapeziectomy
• ISSN: 1877-0568; 1877-0568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2022.103366

Trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis is a common condition for which the reference standard treatment after failure of non-operative measures is trapeziectomy. Several techniques have been devised to avoid proximal migration of the first metacarpal bone (M1) with impingement on the scaphoid bone. We have developed a Gore-Tex® ligament reconstruction technique that avoids potential complications of tendon harvesting. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of this technique.
Trapeziectomy with Gore-Tex® ligament reconstruction is a reliable option for providing lasting pain relief in patients with trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis.
We conducted an observational, single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective cohort study in consecutive patients managed by primary trapeziectomy. We excluded patients with revision trapeziectomy or less than 10 years’ follow-up. The primary outcome was event-free survival, defined as absence of revision surgery and of a numerical rating scale score for pain above 3/10. The secondary criteria were clinical tolerance of the Gore-Tex® implant and radiological changes. The patients were assessed at last follow-up either in person or during a teleconsultation.
Of 78 included joints, 54 were assessed during patient visits and 24 by teleconsultation. At 10 years, the event-free survival rate was 91.3%, and 60.3% of patients were free of pain. Evidence of osteolysis was visible in 24% of patients. No patient experienced clinical intolerance of the Gore-Tex® implant. The mean Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 25.5. Metacarpo-phalangeal hyperextension was significantly increased, to 30.6°, and the mean trapezial space ratio was significantly decreased, to 39.1% of the baseline value.
Long-term event-free survival was high. Functional outcomes and pain were similar to previous reports. Trapeziectomy with Gore-Tex® ligament reconstruction obviates the need for tendon harvesting. Osteolysis developed in some patients but did not correlate with clinical intolerance. Long-term clinical and radiological monitoring is in order after Gore-Tex® implantation.
IV, Observational, single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective cohort study.