Long-term outcomes of trapeziectomy with Gore-Tex ® ligament reconstruction for trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis

Background: Trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis is a common condition for which the reference standard treatment after failure of non-operative measures is trapeziectomy. Several techniques have been devised to avoid proximal migration of the first metacarpal bone (M1) with impingement on the scaphoid bone. We have developed a Gore-Tex (R) ligament reconstruction technique that avoids potential complications of tendon harvesting. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of this technique. Hypothesis: Trapeziectomy with Gore-Tex (R) ligament reconstruction is a reliable option for providing lasting pain relief in patients with trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective cohort study in consecutive patients managed by primary trapeziectomy. We excluded patients with revision trapeziectomy or less than 10 years' follow-up. The primary outcome was event-free survival, defined as absence of revision surgery and of a numerical rating scale score for pain above 3/10. The secondary criteria were clinical tolerance of the Gore-Tex (R) implant and radiological changes. The patients were assessed at last follow-up either in person or during a teleconsultation. Results: Of 78 included joints, 54 were assessed during patient visits and 24 by teleconsultation. At 10 years, the event-free survival rate was 91.3%, and 60.3% of patients were free of pain. Evidence of osteolysis was visible in 24% of patients. No patient experienced clinical intolerance of the Gore-Tex (R) implant. The mean Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 25.5. Metacarpo-phalangeal hyperextension was significantly increased, to 30.6 degrees, and the mean trapezial space ratio was significantly decreased, to 39.1% of the baseline value. Conclusion: Long-term event-free survival was high. Functional outcomes and pain were similar to previous reports. Trapeziectomy with Gore-Tex (R) ligament reconstruction obviates the need for tendon harvesting. Osteolysis developed in some patients but did not correlate with clinical intolerance. Long-term clinical and radiological monitoring is in order after Gore-Tex (R) implantation. Level of evidence: IV, Observational, single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective cohort study. (c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.