The Incidence of Arthroplasty After Initial Arthroscopy for Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear how many patients undergo secondary surgery after initial arthroscopy for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthrosis. We studied the factors related to secondary TMC arthroplasty after TMC arthroscopy. We also examined secondary questions of: (1) what percentage of patients underwent secondary TMC arthroplasty; and (2) how much time elapsed from initial arthroscopy to arthroplasty.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included all adult patients who were treated with arthroscopy of the TMC joint at 2 level I hospitals and affiliates. Factors were assessed for their independent association with secondary TMC arthroplasty using bivariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS: Fourteen of 84 (17%) thumbs underwent secondary TMC arthroplasty an average of 11 months after the initial arthroscopy. Synovectomy alone and smoking tobacco were independently associated with secondary TMC arthroplasty when compared with arthroscopic (partial) trapeziectomy with additional tendon interposition or allograft.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 1 in 6 thumbs underwent secondary TMC arthroplasty, an average of 11 months after the initial arthroscopy. Coupling arthroscopy with partial trapeziectomy, interposition, or extension osteotomy may be a preferable strategy to isolated synovectomy. In addition, smoking tobacco is associated with inferior outcomes regardless of surgical procedure.