Trapeziectomy and intermetacarpal ligament reconstruction with the extensor carpi radialis longus for osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint: surgical technique and long-term results.

Purpose: To report the long-term results of excision of the trapezium and intermetacarpal ligament reconstruction with the extensor carpi radialis longus for thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Methods: Fourteen women and 5 men were retrospectively reviewed after an average of 9 years of follow-up evaluation. Trapeziectomy was performed and the extensor carpi radialis longus was harvested by a dorsoradial approach to reconstruct the intermetacarpal ligament.

Radius decompression for treatment of kienböck disease.

The authors present a new concept in the treatment of Kienböck disease. They believe that the favorable outcome obtained with these different procedures (ie, either shortening of the radius or lengthening of the ulna) is due to the surgical decompression on the distal forearm. The procedure presented is called metaphyseal core decompression and it consists of curettage of the distal radius and ulna (the ulna has been excluded for the past 12 years) through a small cortical window.