Radiological Influencing Factors in the Diagnosis of Painful Habitual Instability of the Thumb Basal Joint as a Precursor of Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb—A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Painful habitual instability of the thumb basal joint (PHIT) is a rarely diagnosed condition that can severely impair hand function. Furthermore, it can increase the risk of developing carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb (CMAOT). Clinical examination and radiographic imaging provide the foundation for a correct diagnosis, but early detection is still challenging. We investigated two objective, radiographically obtainable parameters as potential risk factors for PHIT. Methods: Clinical data and radiographic images of 33 patients suffering from PHIT were collected and compared to those of 35 people serving as the control group. The two main objectives, the slope angle and the bony offset of the thumb joint, were gathered from the X-rays and statistically analyzed. Results: The analysis showed no differences between the study and the control group concerning the slope angle. Gender and the bony offset, on the other hand, had a significant influence. Female sex and higher offset values were associated with an increased risk of PHIT. Conclusions: The results of this study prove a connection between a high bony offset and PHIT. We believe this information can be valuable in early detection and will allow more efficient treatment of this condition in the future.