The use of the Artelon CMC Spacer for osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb.

Introduction: Favorable clinical outcomes have been reported with the Artelon CMC Spacer, however, several studies have documented complications with the device.

Purpose Of The Study: The purpose of this study is to review a single surgeon's experience with the Artelon CMC Spacer for the treatment of basal joint arthritis of the thumb.

Methods: Five thumbs in 6 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint were treated with the Artelon CMC Spacer.

Three-dimensional and thermal surface imaging produces reliable measures of joint shape and temperature: a potential tool for quantifying arthritis.

Introduction: The assessment of joints with active arthritis is a core component of widely used outcome measures. However, substantial variability exists within and across examiners in assessment of these active joint counts. Swelling and temperature changes, two qualities estimated during active joint counts, are amenable to quantification using noncontact digital imaging technologies.