Patient functional outcomes with trapeziectomy alone versus trapeziectomy with TightRope(®).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We assess whether patient functional outcomes with the use of a tightrope in conjunction with trapeziectomy are better than traditional trapeziectomy alone.

METHODS: Retrospective study of 56 trapeziectomies in 53 patients; 26 trapeziectomies alone without additional procedures, and 30 trapeziectomies performed in conjunction with tightrope suspensionplasty. All patients were scored using Quick DASH, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Nelson base of thumb arthritis scores pre- and post-operatively.

RESULTS: Significant improvements were seen with both operations using all three scoring systems. However, there was no statistically significant difference in post-operative scores between the two operations.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.