Three-dimensional motion analysis of pre- and postoperative thumb movement in trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis—Comparison of arthrodesis and trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty

Abstract

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC-OA) reduces the range of motion (ROM) of the thumb. However, the kinematic change achieved through surgical treatment remains unclear. Therefore, to quantify the kinematic change following TMC-OA surgery, we performed a three-dimensional motion analysis of the thumb using an optical motion capture system preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively in 23 patients with TMC-OA scheduled for arthrodesis (AD) or trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty (TS). Eighteen hands of nine healthy volunteers were also included as controls. Both procedures improved postoperative pain and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores, and AD increased pinch strength. The ROM of the base of the thumb was preserved in AD, which was thought to be due to the appearance of compensatory movements of adjacent joints even if the ROM of the TMC joint was lost. TS did not improve ROM. Quantifying thumb kinematic changes following TMC-OA surgery can improve our understanding of TMC-OA treatment and help select surgical procedures and postoperative assessment.