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Overview

• Basal thumb arthritis is a common condition [1].
• A comprehensive history and clinical examination are sufficient for the diagnosis of basal thumb arthritis [1].
• Osteoarthritis is likely the most common indication for basal joint arthroscopy [13].
• Chronic pain and inflammation are useful indications for metacarpophalangeal arthroscopy [13].
• Basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery improves health state utility irrespective of the surgical technique used [6].
• Trapeziectomy for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term [2].
• Long-term clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy for basal thumb arthritis are very positive [5].
• Interpositioning as an isolated procedure appears clinically to be the preferred treatment for basal thumb arthritis despite greater radiological degradation compared to suspensionplasty [5].
• Patients who underwent suture-button suspensionplasty (SBS) surgery for thumb CMC osteoarthritis achieve excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results [9].
• Some radiographic subsidence occurs over time in patients who underwent suture-button suspensionplasty for thumb CMC osteoarthritis [9].
• The use of Swanson silastic interposition arthroplasty in revision thumb-base surgery for failed trapeziectomy yields good medium-term results and high satisfaction rates [8].
• Swanson silastic interposition arthroplasty is advocated as an effective treatment option for revision thumb-base surgery provided other treatable causes of poor outcome are excluded [8].
• Pyrocarbon implants are used for the surgical treatment of basal thumb arthritis [10].
• The Artelon CMC Spacer is no longer used for the management of basal joint arthritis of the thumb due to an unacceptably high complication rate [11].
• Porous Polyurethaneurea (Artelon) Joint Spacer use has been abandoned for the treatment of basilar thumb osteoarthritis [17].
• Denervation, joint lavage, and capsular imbrication could be a good alternative to more invasive surgical options in patients with earlier stages of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis [20].
• Denervation, joint lavage, and capsular imbrication offer advantages including a low rate of complications, low invasiveness, and short recovery times [20].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

• Thumb basal joint arthritis is a progressive disease [4].
• A reduction in cylindrical grasp is associated with early symptomatic and radiographic CMC OA [12].
• Gross grasp is not associated with early thumb CMC OA [12].
• Wrist biomechanics are significantly altered following trapeziectomy [30].
• Ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition (LRTI) most closely resembles intact wrist biomechanics in a cadaveric model [30].
• Total joint arthroplasty restores thumb function but cannot fully replicate the kinematics of the healthy TMC joint [31].
• Kinematic analysis of the thumb CMC joint differentiates surgical treatments used for end-stage OA [32].
• Thumb motion capability is unaffected by sex and handedness [33].
• A rationale for dynamic stabilization of the thumb is based on its unique anatomy [34].
• The inter-metacarpal distance method is the most reliable tool for measuring thumb abduction [35].
• Surgical treatment is usually indicated to restore the anatomy and biomechanics of the trapeziometacarpal joint in fractures and dislocations of the base of the thumb metacarpal, as conservative treatment often yields poor results [36].
• Thumbs in patients with TMC-OA have different kinematics during first dorsal interosseous (FDI) maneuvers compared to healthy thumbs [37].
• An atrophic FDI may not be an efficient dynamic stabilizer [37].
• During thumb oppositional motion, internal rotation of the first metacarpal occurs, with the palmar base rotating primarily with respect to the dorsal base [38].
• The position of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint exerts a strong influence on contact-pressure patterns in the trapeziometacarpal joint [39].
• Metacarpophalangeal joint flexion shifts the center of pressure in the trapeziometacarpal joint dorsally [39].
• Metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension produces the most palmar contact pattern in the trapeziometacarpal joint [39].
• Trapeziectomy results in proximal migration of the first metacarpal [40].
• Suture suspensionplasty mitigates proximal migration of the first metacarpal while maintaining normal motion [40].
• Proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal does not appear to influence functional outcome [41].
• Altered thumb rotation patterns during pinch may contribute to joint misalignment and the development of osteoarthritis [42].
• Automated analysis of TMC joint kinematics using four-dimensional computed tomography significantly decreases analysis time [43].
• Ergonomic solutions are necessary to decrease thumb motions or strenuous effort at work, especially for women, to reduce the risk of thumb CMC osteoarthritis [44].
• Carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint collapse is associated with increased pain but not functional impairment in persons with thumb CMC osteoarthritis [45].
• Directionally coupled motion patterns in the CMC joint are similar in men and women [46].

Classification

• Basal thumb arthritis is a common condition where a comprehensive history and clinical examination are sufficient for diagnosis [1].
• Thumb basal joint arthritis is a progressive disease with substantial new biomechanical and longitudinal clinical studies changing prevailing opinions on serial degenerative changes [4].
• Subjects presenting with early CMC OA had significantly lower bone density as assessed with HU at the thumb CMC joint (trapezium and first metacarpal base) [7].
• The metacarpal surface of the trapezium demonstrates three distinct patterns of wear in arthritic surgical specimens [26].
• Radiological imaging of the trapeziometacarpal joint involves various measurements and classifications used to evaluate the joint [19].
• The radiological classification does not describe all stages of carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis accurately enough to permit reliable and consistent communication between clinicians [25].
• There is not a reliable system for classification of disease severity in CMC joint disease based on radiographs [28].
• Ulnar instability should be included in the classification of thumb CMCj osteoarthritis stages and considered in treatment options [55].

Clinical Presentation

• Basal thumb arthritis is a common condition [1].
• A comprehensive history and clinical examination are sufficient for the diagnosis of basal thumb arthritis [1].
• Thumb basal joint arthritis is a progressive disease [4].
• Serial degenerative changes in thumb basal joint arthritis are described by new biomechanical and longitudinal clinical studies [4].
• Radiographic development of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is an expected part of human aging [27].
• Clinically significant, functionally limiting trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is less common than radiographic development [27].
• The development of clinically significant trapeziometacarpal arthrosis may be unrelated to hand use [27].
• Subjects with early thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis have significantly lower bone density at the trapezium and first metacarpal base as assessed with Hounsfield Units [7].
• A reduction in cylindrical grasp strength is associated with early symptomatic and radiographic thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis [12].
• Gross grasp is not associated with early thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis [12].
• Cylindrical grasp may be a better tool than gross grasp to detect changes in thumb and hand function during early disease stages [12].
• Power Doppler ultrasound has a significant relationship with pain severity in thumb base osteoarthritis, suggesting it may be useful for understanding pain aetiology [22].
• The high prevalence of other symptomatic hand disorders requires a complete and standardized clinical examination of the hand to consider these disorders during surgical planning [21].
• Osteoarthritis is likely the most common indication for basal joint arthroscopy [13].
• Chronic pain and inflammation are useful indications for metacarpophalangeal arthroscopy [13].
• The metacarpal surface of the trapezium demonstrates three distinct patterns of wear in arthritic surgical specimens [26].

Investigations

• A comprehensive history and clinical examination are sufficient for the diagnosis of basal thumb arthritis [1].
• Radiographic development of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is an expected part of human aging [27, 62].
• Clinically significant, functionally limiting trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is less common than radiographic changes [27, 62].
• The development of clinically significant trapeziometacarpal arthrosis may be unrelated to hand use [27].
• Subjects with early CMC OA have significantly lower bone density at the thumb CMC joint (trapezium and first metacarpal base) as assessed with Hounsfield Units (HU) [7].
• The volar-ulnar quadrant of the trapezium has significantly greater trabecular bone volume, thickness, and connectivity compared to the dorsal-radial and dorsal-ulnar quadrants [58].
• The greatest compressive loads at the first carpometacarpal joint occur at the volar-ulnar quadrant of the trapezium [58].
• The volar-ulnar quadrant of the trapezium represents a consistently affected region of wear in both normal and arthritic states [58].
• A reduction in cylindrical grasp strength is associated with early symptomatic and radiographic CMC OA [12].
• Gross grasp is not associated with early thumb CMC OA [12].
• Cylindrical grasp may be a better tool than gross grasp to detect changes in thumb and hand function during early disease stages [12].
• Power Doppler ultrasound has a significant relationship with pain severity in thumb base OA, suggesting it may be useful in understanding pain aetiology [22].
• Radiological imaging reviews provide an overview of different radiological views, historical origins, positioning, measurements, and classifications used to evaluate the trapeziometacarpal joint [19].
• Radiographic classification of osteoarthritis at the trapeziometacarpal joint does not describe all stages of CMC joint OA accurately enough to permit reliable and consistent communication between clinicians [25].
• Radiographs assist in the assessment of CMC joint disease, but there is not a reliable system for classification of disease severity [28].
• A negative grind test does not necessarily reflect negative radiographic evidence of thumb CMC osteoarthritis [63].
• Wrist radiographs demonstrate 47% sensitivity and 94% specificity in predicting end-stage ST joint arthritis [56].
• Direct visualization of the ST joint is important after trapeziectomy due to the limitations of wrist radiographs in predicting end-stage ST joint arthritis [56].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

• Nonoperative modalities are effective for early stages of degenerative arthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint [48].
• Surgical options for thumb CMC arthritis are reserved for cases refractory to conservative measures [48].
• Denervation, joint lavage, and capsular imbrication are good alternative treatments for earlier stages of thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis, offering a low rate of complications, low invasiveness, and short recovery times [20].

Arthroscopic Techniques

• Osteoarthritis is likely the most common indication for basal joint arthroscopy [13].
• Chronic pain and inflammation are useful indications for metacarpophalangeal arthroscopy [13].
• The use of arthroscopic-assisted techniques for thumb CMC osteoarthritis is still limited but may be a reasonable option for patients who do not respond to non-operative treatment [53].

Trapeziectomy and Interposition/Suspensionplasty

• Trapeziectomy with interposition or suspensionplasty yields very positive long-term clinical outcomes [5].
• Interpositioning as an isolated procedure appears to be the preferred treatment clinically, despite greater radiological degradation compared to suspensionplasty [5].
• Suture-button suspensionplasty (SBS) achieves excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results, despite some radiographic subsidence over time [9].
• Suture-button suspensionplasty (SBS) achieves excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results, despite some radiographic subsidence over time [16].
• The multiplicity of treatment modalities for carpometacarpal joint arthritis suggests that underlying trapezium excision is probably the prime factor in patients' clinical improvement [15].
• Thumb index metacarpal stabilization needs to be based on each individual clinical scenario [15].
• Trapeziectomy for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term [2].

Joint Replacement and Implants

• Health state utility gains occur after basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery regardless of the surgical techniques used [6].
• The ISISVR prosthesis is a reliable implant for treating disabling thumb basal joint arthritis, with a low complication rate and long-lasting clinical and functional improvements [18].
• Pyrocarbon implants are used for the surgical treatment of basal thumb arthritis [10].
• The Artelon CMC Spacer is no longer used for the management of basal joint arthritis of the thumb due to an unacceptably high complication rate [11].
• The use of Porous Polyurethaneurea (Artelon) Joint Spacer has been abandoned for the treatment of basilar thumb osteoarthritis due to findings indicating poor outcomes or high complications [17].

Revision Surgery

• Swanson silastic interposition arthroplasty is an effective treatment option for revision thumb-base surgery for failed trapeziectomy, showing good medium-term results and high satisfaction rates, provided other treatable causes of poor outcome are excluded [8].

Complications and Outcomes

• Common complications after surgery for basal thumb arthritis include those associated with resection arthroplasty, joint replacement, and joint fusion, with specific management strategies available for different types of complications [3].
• Despite 70 years of research and numerous treatment options, the best management for trapeziometacarpal arthritis remains debated, with a constant proportion of patients remaining unhappy or symptomatic post-surgery [52].

Ongoing Research

• The SCOOTT trial is a multicentre, three-arm randomized controlled trial designed to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treating basal osteoarthritis of the thumb with or without surgery, and to compare trapeziectomy versus thumb CMC joint arthrodesis (CMCJA) [51].

Complications

• Basal thumb arthritis surgery complications are reviewed for resection arthroplasty, joint replacement, and joint fusion, including management strategies [3].
• Trapeziectomy for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term [2].
• Long-term clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy are very positive, with interpositioning appearing clinically preferred despite greater radiological degradation compared to suspensionplasty [5].
• Health state utility gains after basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery occur irrespective of the surgical technique used [6].
• Revision thumb-base surgery using Swanson silastic interposition arthroplasty yields good medium-term results and high satisfaction rates, provided other treatable causes of poor outcome are excluded [8].
• The Artelon CMC Spacer is no longer used for the management of basal joint arthritis of the thumb due to an unacceptably high complication rate [11].
• Simultaneous dual prosthetic replacement of the trapeziometacarpal and scaphotrapezial-trapezoid joints in pantrapezial osteoarthritis achieves a low complication rate [14].
• Suture-button suspensionplasty (SBS) for thumb CMC osteoarthritis maintains favorable subjective and objective results despite some radiographic subsidence over time [9, 16].
• The ISISVR prosthesis is a reliable implant for treating disabling thumb basal joint arthritis, with a low complication rate and long-lasting clinical and functional improvements [18].

Recovery

• Basal thumb arthritis is a common condition where a comprehensive history and clinical examination are sufficient for diagnosis [1].
• Thumb basal joint arthritis is a progressive disease with substantial new biomechanical and longitudinal clinical studies changing prevailing opinions on serial degenerative changes [4].
• Subjects presenting with early CMC OA had significantly lower bone density as assessed with HU at the thumb CMC joint (trapezium and first metacarpal base) [7].
• Increased degenerate-like changes were observed after simple excision of the trapezium at 6-year followup but these did not influence the clinical outcome [64].
• Trapeziectomy for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term [2].
• Long-term clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy for basal thumb arthritis are very positive, with interpositioning as an isolated procedure appearing, clinically, to be the preferred treatment despite greater radiological degradation when compared to suspensionplasty [5].
• The use of Swanson silastic interposition arthroplasty in revision thumb-base surgery for failed trapeziectomy yields good medium-term results and high satisfaction rates, advocating the technique as an effective treatment option for revision thumb-base surgery provided other treatable causes of poor outcome are excluded [8].
• Patients who underwent SBS surgery for thumb CMC osteoarthritis achieve excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results, despite some radiographic subsidence over time [9].
• The SSA technique for thumb CMC arthritis reconstruction yields good to excellent long-term clinical outcomes at 12- to 14-year follow-up [54].
• Simultaneous dual prosthetic replacement of trapeziometacarpal and scaphotrapezial-trapezoid joints in pantrapezial osteoarthritis achieves favorable functional outcomes and a low complication rate, making it a potentially superior alternative for patients with high functional demands or those requiring durable long-term results [14].
• The ISISVR prosthesis is a reliable implant for treating disabling thumb basal joint arthritis, with a low complication rate and long-lasting clinical and functional improvements at a minimum follow-up of 5 years [18].
• Outcomes of denervation, joint lavage and capsular imbrication for painful thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis indicate that this treatment approach could be a good alternative to more invasive surgical options in patients with earlier stages of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, with advantages including a low rate of complications, low invasiveness, and short recovery times [20].
• Basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery improves health state utility irrespective of technique [6].
• Advanced radiographic arthritis, current smoking status, and a history of ipsilateral hand surgery were patient-specific factors that predicted progression to surgery following injection [29].
• Patients treated with hand therapy had significantly longer times to surgery, and the 2-year surgery rates were significantly higher in those who did not undergo therapy treatment [65].

Key Evidence

• [L4] Basal thumb arthritis is a common condition where a comprehensive history and clinical examination are sufficient for diagnosis. [1] (10.1136/pgmj.2006.046300)
• [L3] Removal of the trapezium as treatment for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term. [2] (10.1186/s13018-021-02856-x)
• [L5] The article reviews the most common complications after surgery for basal thumb arthritis, emphasizing resection arthroplasty, joint replacement, and joint fusion, and highlights possible management strategies for the different types of complications. [3] (10.1177/17531934231197787)
• [L5] Thumb basal joint arthritis is a progressive disease with substantial new biomechanical and longitudinal clinical studies changing prevailing opinions on serial degenerative changes. [4] (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00374)
• [L3] Long-term clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy for basal thumb arthritis are very positive, with interpositioning as an isolated procedure appearing, clinically, to be the preferred treatment despite greater radiological degradation when compared to suspensionplasty. [5] (10.1016/j.otsr.2016.08.014)
• [L3] This study demonstrates health state utility gains after basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery regardless of surgical techniques used. [6] (10.1177/1753193420909753)
• [L2] Subjects presenting with early CMC OA had significantly lower bone density as assessed with HU at the thumb CMC joint (trapezium and first metacarpal base). [7] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.09.004)
• [L4] The study found good medium-term results and high satisfaction rates, advocating the technique as an effective treatment option for revision thumb-base surgery provided other treatable causes of poor outcome are excluded. [8] (10.1177/1753193412447496)
• [L4] Patients who underwent SBS surgery for thumb CMC osteoarthritis achieve excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results, despite some radiographic subsidence over time. [9] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.12.002)
• [L4] This paper focuses on the surgical techniques and outcomes of pyrocarbon implants for the treatment of basal thumb arthritis. [10] (10.1016/j.hansur.2020.08.012)
• [L4] Due to an unacceptably high complication rate, we no longer use the Artelon CMC Spacer for the management of basal joint arthritis of the thumb. [11] (10.1016/j.jht.2013.12.001)
• [L3] A reduction in cylindrical grasp is associated with early symptomatic and radiographic CMC OA, whereas gross grasp is not associated with early thumb CMC OA, suggesting that cylindrical grasp may be a better tool to detect changes in thumb and hand function seen during early disease stages. [12] (10.1007/s11999-016-5151-2)
• [L5] Osteoarthritis will likely remain the most common indication for basal joint arthroscopy while chronic pain and inflammation are useful indications for metacarpophalangeal arthroscopy. [13] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.02.020)
• [L4] By preserving carpal stability and thumb function, this approach achieves favorable functional outcomes and a low complication rate, making it a potentially superior alternative for patients with high functional demands or those requiring durable long-term results. [14] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.12.013)
• [L5] The multiplicity of treatment modalities for carpometacarpal joint arthritis shows that the underlying trapezium excision is probably the prime factor in patients' clinical improvement, and thumb index metacarpal stabilization needs to be based on each individual clinical scenario. [15] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.02.013)
• [L4] Our findings demonstrate that patients who underwent SBS surgery for thumb CMC osteoarthritis achieve excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results, despite some radiographic subsidence over time. [16] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100855)
• [L3] Due to these findings, we have abandoned its use for treatment of basilar thumb osteoarthritis. [17] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.05.013)
• [L4] The ISISVR prosthesis is a reliable implant for treating disabling thumb basal joint arthritis, with a low complication rate and long-lasting clinical and functional improvements. [18] (10.1177/17531934221123166)
• [L5] This review provides an overview of different radiological views described for the thumb, emphasizing their historical origin and positioning, and describes various measurements and classifications used to evaluate the trapeziometacarpal joint. [19] (10.1177/17531934221137979)
• [L4] The findings indicate that the presented treatment approach could be a good alternative to more invasive surgical options in patients with earlier stages of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, with advantages including a low rate of complications, low invasiveness, and short recovery times. [20] (10.1177/1753193416632149)
• [L3] The high prevalence of other symptomatic disorders of the hand requires a complete and standardized clinical examination of the hand, as they must be considered during surgical planning. [21] (10.1177/17531934231220644)
• [L4] The significant relationship of power Doppler with pain severity in thumb base OA suggests this might be a useful tool in understanding pain aetiology. [22] (10.1186/s12891-019-2610-4)
• [L3] The radiological classification does not describe all stages of carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis accurately enough to permit reliable and consistent communication between clinicians. [25] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.09.007)
• [L5] Radiographic development of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is an expected part of human aging, although clinically significant, functionally limiting trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is less common, and its development may be unrelated to hand use. [27] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.04.038)
• [L1] Review of the literature demonstrates that radiographs assist in the assessment of CMC joint disease, but there is not a reliable system for classification of disease severity. [28] (10.1007/s11999-013-3208-z)
• [L4] Advanced radiographic arthritis, current smoking status, and a history of ipsilateral hand surgery were patient-specific factors that predicted progression to surgery following injection. [29] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.03.025)
• [L5] Wrist biomechanics were significantly altered following trapeziectomy, and of the reconstructions tested, LRTI most closely resembled the intact biomechanics in this cadaveric model. [30] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.10.003)
• [L4] We also showed that, whereas total joint arthroplasty is able to restore thumb function, it cannot fully replicate the kinematics of the healthy TMC joint. [31] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.011)
• [L5] Kinematic analysis of the thumb CMC joint is effective in differentiating surgical treatments used for end-stage OA. [32] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.02.009)
• [L3] Thumb motion capability was unaffected by sex and handedness. [33] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.08.012)
• [L5] A rationale for a dynamic stabilization approach is presented based on the unique anatomy of the thumb. [34] (10.1016/j.jht.2022.06.007)
• [L4] Currently, it is the most reliable tool for measuring thumb abduction. [35] (10.1016/j.jht.2021.03.001)
• [L4] Surgical treatment is usually indicated to restore the anatomy and biomechanics of the trapeziometacarpal joint, as conservative treatment often yields poor results. [36] (10.1177/1753193414554357)
• [L4] Thumbs in patients with TMC-OA and healthy thumbs have different kinematics during FDI maneuvers, and an atrophic FDI may not be an efficient dynamic stabilizer. [37] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.12.018)
• [L5] During thumb oppositional motion, internal rotation of the first metacarpal occurred, with the palmar base rotating primarily with respect to the dorsal base. [38] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.07.028)
• [L5] The position of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint exerts a strong influence on contact-pressure patterns in the trapeziometacarpal joint, with flexion shifting the center of pressure dorsally and hyperextension producing the most palmar contact pattern. [39] (10.2106/00004623-200105000-00009)
• [L5] This biomechanical cadaver study supports the hypothesis that trapeziectomy results in proximal migration of the first metacarpal, which is mitigated by suture suspensionplasty while maintaining normal motion. [40] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.05.001)
• [L1] Furthermore, proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal does not appear to influence the functional outcome. [41] (10.2106/jbjs.d.02630)
• [L3] Altered thumb rotation patterns during pinch may contribute to joint misalignment and the development of osteoarthritis. [42] (10.1177/17531934251383073)
• [L4] The automated approach significantly decreased the time needed to analyse each case and makes this model applicable for further research on TMC kinematics. [43] (10.1177/17531934241229948)
• [L3] Ergonomic solutions are necessary to decrease thumb motions or strenuous effort encountered at work, especially for women. [44] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.01.014)
• [L3] Future studies should determine the relationship between thumb hypermobility and joint collapse and how to manage these conditions effectively. [45] (10.1016/j.jht.2020.07.003)
• [L4] Directionally coupled motion patterns in the CMC joint are similar in men and women. [46] (10.1007/s11999-013-3063-y)
• [Paper] Degenerative arthritis of the thumb CMC joint is a common treatable condition where nonoperative modalities are effective for early stages, while surgical options are reserved for cases refractory to conservative measures. [48] (10.1016/j.hcl.2008.03.001)
• [L2] The SCOOTT trial is a multicentre, three-arm randomized controlled trial designed to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treating basal osteoarthritis of the thumb with or without surgery, and to compare trapeziectomy versus thumb CMCJA. [51] (10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0483.r1)
• [L5] The author notes that despite 70 years of research and numerous treatment options, the best management for trapeziometacarpal arthritis remains debated, with a constant proportion of patients remaining unhappy or symptomatic post-surgery. [52] (10.1177/17531934221122987)
• [L1] The use of arthroscopic-assisted techniques for thumb CMC OA is still limited; however, it may be a reasonable option for patients with thumb CMC OA who do not respond to non-operative treatment. [53] (10.1177/1753193418757122)
• [L4] The SSA technique for thumb CMC arthritis reconstruction yields good to excellent long-term clinical outcomes. [54] (10.1177/15589447211003176)
• [L3] Wrist radiographs demonstrate a 47% sensitivity and 94% specificity in predicting end-stage ST joint arthritis, emphasizing the importance of directly visualizing the ST joint after trapeziectomy. [56] (10.1177/1558944718765246)
• [L4] The significantly greater trabecular bone volume, thickness, and connectivity in the volar-ulnar quadrant compared with the dorsal-radial and dorsal-ulnar quadrants provides evidence that the greatest compressive loads at the first carpometacarpal joint occur at the volar-ulnar quadrant of the trapezium, representing a consistently affected region of wear in both normal and arthritic states. [58] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.10.038)
• [L5] Radiographic development of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is an expected part of human aging, although clinically significant, functionally limiting trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is less common. [62] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.04.042)
• [L3] However, a negative grind test does not necessarily reflect negative radiographic evidence of thumb CMC osteoarthritis. [63] (10.1016/j.jht.2010.02.001)
• [L2] Increased degenerate-like changes were observed after simple excision of the trapezium but these did not influence the clinical outcome. [64] (10.1007/s11999-013-2956-0)
• [L2] Patients treated with hand therapy had significantly longer times to surgery, and the 2-year surgery rates were significantly higher in those who did not undergo therapy treatment. [65] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.05.019)

References

[1] Basal thumb arthritis. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2007. DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2006.046300 [2] Trapeziectomy for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02856-x [3] Basal thumb arthritis surgery: complications and its management. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2024. DOI: 10.1177/17531934231197787 [4] Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2018. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00374 [5] Minimum 10-year clinical and radiological follow-up of trapeziectomy with interposition or suspensionplasty for basal thumb arthritis. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2016.08.014 [6] Basal thumb osteoarthritis surgery improves health state utility irrespective of technique: a study of UK Hand Registry data. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2020. 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