Short term results of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition resection arthroplasty for basal joint arthritis.

Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb is the second most common site afflicted by osteoarthritis. Non surgical measures forms the first line of treatment with aim of preventing progression of disease, however, surgery becomes an option when symptoms are refractory to nonsurgical methods. Different procedures have been described in literature. Ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition (LRTI) is the most commonly performed procedure in North America for this problem. The Aim of study was to evaluate early results of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for CMC joint arthritis. This is a case series of ten patients operated in a tertiary care hospital from December 2006 to December 2008. All cases were operated by a single surgeon. All of the patients were followed up using Quick DASH questionnaire filled preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. All of our patients were female. Mean duration of follow up was 34 weeks. Pain and residual laxity recorded at each clinical follow up visit after removal of thumb spica and Kirschner wire. Mean value for Quick DASH score is 31 in a 0-100 scale with 0 being no disability. Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition resection arthroplasy is an effective method of controlling symptoms with preservation of motion at CMC joint axis.