Analysis of trapeziometacarpal prosthesis cup position with respect to the trapezial anatomy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the anatomy of the trapezium with regard to cup position in trapeziometacarpal replacement and identify those trapeziums that are at risk of cup perforation through the trapezoid articular surface. The width of the proximal and distal articular surface and the height of the trapezium and second metacarpal facet were measured on 96 peritrapezial views reconstructed from computed tomography scans. The trapezoid articular surface of the trapezium (TRAST) angle was calculated, and four different cup designs were virtually positioned centrally in the trapezium and parallel to the proximal articular surface. Risk of perforation was defined as a cup that exceeds the ulnar border of the proximal articular surface. The mean TRAST angle in our study was 33°. Risk of perforation is higher when the second metacarpal facet is smaller than 5 mm and when the TRAST angle is 35° or more. In these cases, the position of the cup should be more radial or more distal.