Intra-patient comparison of trapeziectomy with LRTI and dual mobility prosthesis for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a multicenter observational study

Purpose: Thumb osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that affects a large portion of the elderly population. Conservative treatments for this condition often fail, and a surgical solution is required. Many different surgical techniques have been described, but the current literature has not yet demonstrated the superiority of one over the others. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and radiological findings of a population of 26 patients who were operated on both hands but with different techniques. Methods: One hand underwent trapeziectomy with suspension arthroplasty, while the other hand was operated on with a double mobility trapeziometacarpal prosthesis. Results: Our findings show that, while on the long-term follow-up the two techniques are equally valid, in the short term, the hands that were operated on with the prosthesis had a faster recovery of strength and pain. Conclusion: Therefore, we reckon that double mobility trapeziometacarpal prostheses are a better choice of treatment, especially for patients who require a faster recovery for work or leisure activities.