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J Wrist Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2753-9881
Special Review Article

Arthroscopic Resection Arthroplasty of the Distal Surface of the Trapezium to Treat Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis

Authors

  • Jeff Ecker

    1   Jeff Ecker Clinic, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
    2   Wrist and Hand Institute, Claremont, WA, Australia
    3   Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Claremont, WA, Australia
    4   School of Medicine, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
    5   School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia

  • Jess De Jong

    1   Jeff Ecker Clinic, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
    3   Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Claremont, WA, Australia

  • Courtney Andrijich

    1   Jeff Ecker Clinic, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
    2   Wrist and Hand Institute, Claremont, WA, Australia

  • Zoe Jones

    1   Jeff Ecker Clinic, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
    2   Wrist and Hand Institute, Claremont, WA, Australia

  • Karolina Pavleski 

    1   Jeff Ecker Clinic, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
    2   Wrist and Hand Institute, Claremont, WA, Australia

Funding Information The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
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Abstract

Introduction

Although there are different surgical options used to treat symptomatic trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis, they all have potential complications which can be difficult to manage.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective audit describes a modified arthroscopic partial resection arthroplasty (ARA) of the distal 3-4 mm of the trapezium combined with a postoperative early motion therapy program to treat TMC joint arthritis.

Results

Patients (N = 46 (50 thumbs)) who had ARA of distal trapezium for TMC joint arthritis were included in this study. Functional measurements were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively, with an average follow-up time of 11.7 months. Statistical significance was found in all measures except radial abduction, interphalangeal joint extension and DASH. There was an increase of 19.8% in gross grip strength, 19.1% in lateral pinch and 21.8% in force plate measures.

Discussion

In conclusion, ARA of the distal 3-4 mm of the trapezium combined with an immediate postoperative motion therapy program resulted in the improvement of all outcome measures.

Study and Level of Evidence

Study, Level III.

Keywords

arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy - trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis - arthroscopic resection arthroplasty of the distal trapezium - basal thumb arthritis - thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis

Ethical Approval

This study was approved by the St John of God Ethics Committee, number 2085.


Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patients for their anonymized information to be published in this article.




Publication History

Received: 26 June 2025

Accepted: 18 November 2025

Article published online:
16 December 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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