Long-Term Outcomes of First Metacarpal Extension Osteotomy in the Treatment of Carpal-Metacarpal Osteoarthritis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term Outcomes of first metacarpal extension osteotomy in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the thumb carpal-metacarpal joint. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients treated by a single surgreon with first metacarpal extension osteotomy. Results Preoperative Eaton stage was I in 3 patients, II in 3 patients, and III in 2 patients. Mean follow-up was 9 years (range, 6-13 years). Average lateral pinch strength, oppositional pinch strength, and grip strength were measured as 5 kg, 3 kg, and 19 kg, respectively (129%, 103%, and 108% of contralateral). Eaton stage was preserved in 5 of the 8 patients, with excellent functional Outcomes in 6 of 8 patients at a mean of 9 years. Conclusions Our data suggest that first metacarpal extension osteotomy call be an effective and durable procedure that does not limit future salvage procedures Such as trapeziectomy or arthroplasty and support use of this treatment in early and moderate Eaton stages. (J Hand Surg 2008;33A: 1737-1743. Copyright (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)