Functionality of middle-aged women after resection-interposition arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint in comparison to a healthy control group

Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis is a very common degenerative joint disease which affects especially women between their fifth and sixth decade of life. To determine the final pinch, grip and functional outcome after trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty and to compare to non-arthritic controls, we hypothesized that patients after the former surgery are expected to have lower grip and pinch strength and a higher DASH score. 44 women (range 50-65 years of age; median 57 years of age) were examined after resection-interposition arthroplasty because of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis Eaton-Littler stage 3 and 4 with a minimum follow-up time of 12 months (range 12-99 months; median 47 months) using DASH questionnaire and grip and pinch strength evaluation. The control group consisted of 107 healthy age-matched controls (range 50-64 years of age; median 54 years of age). Differences between both groups were statistically analysed using analysis of covariance. A significant loss of pinch strength and a significant higher DASH score were detected for the patient group in comparison to the controls, whereas grip strength did not differ significantly. A loss of pinch strength in conjunction with a higher DASH score was detected. The expected loss of pinch strength in conjunction with a reduced physical functionality should be discussed preoperatively with the patient to meet the expectations and to offer the best suitable treatment option.