Electrothermal treatment of thumb basal joint instability.

Purpose: This study examined whether radiofrequency electrothermal treatment of thumb basal joint instability could produce clinical improvement and result in successful functional outcomes for patients.

Methods: From August 2001 to April 2006, we treated 17 thumbs with symptomatic thumb basal joint instability using arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage of the volar ligaments and joint capsule with a monopolar radiofrequency probe. The sample included 11 men and 6 women with a mean age of 35.3 years (range, 20 to 60 years). All patients underwent regular clinical follow-up at a mean of 41 months (range, 24 to 80 months).

Results: Pain improved in all thumbs after surgery. Thumb pinch strength significantly improved in all thumbs after surgery (P < .01). All patients were satisfied with the results and returned to their preinjury activities.

Conclusions: By use of the described method of arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage of the volar ligaments and joint capsule in patients with symptomatic thumb basal joint instability, most patients had good subjective results and the pinch strength improved significantly in most patients. Of 17 thumbs, 16 had satisfactory subjective and functional stability at a minimum 2 years' follow-up.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.