Dual Mobility Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty: A Survey on Variations in Surgical Techniques and Patient Management

Abstract

Background: Dual mobility total joint arthroplasty is gaining popularity for trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ) arthritis, with evolving indications, surgical technique and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to obtain detailed insight into the variations in indications, surgical technique and rehabilitation for TMCJ arthroplasty with dual mobility implants, across a large international cohort of surgeons. The secondary aim was to analyse if there were differences in TMCJ arthroplasty between highly and less experienced surgeons. Methods: An anonymised online survey was developed and distributed to the international hand surgery community of surgeons performing TMCJ arthroplasty. Responses were summarised, and a sub-analysis comparing indications, contra-indications, surgical technique, implant placement, rehabilitation and complications between highly and less experienced surgeons was performed. Results: Of the 203 included respondents, 59 were considered highly experienced. Most respondents perform TMCJ arthroplasty under regional anaesthesia (84%), via a dorsolateral approach (78%) and with image-guidance for cup placement (84%). However, there is considerable variation in handling of scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal (STT) arthritis, cup positioning landmarks, postoperative immobilisation, first extensor compartment release and revision techniques. Highly experienced surgeons performed TMCJ arthroplasty for a larger proportion of their patients undergoing surgery for TMCJ arthritis, and a trapezium smaller than 8 mm or STT-OA was less frequently considered a contra-indication. Highly experienced surgeons preferred freehand osteotomy of the metacarpal and allowed office workers to return to work earlier. Conclusions: This survey shows that there is considerable variation in (contra)indications, surgical technique and rehabilitation amongst surgeons performing TMCJ arthroplasty, but only a few differences between highly and less experienced surgeons were identified. This data provides a reference for surgeons who want to familiarise themselves with increasingly popular procedure and may help surgeons already performing TMCJ arthroplasty to identify potential topics for future research to optimise its outcome. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)