Stabilization of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Utilizing a Minimally Invasive Approach: A Novel Technique.

Abstract

Treatment of symptomatic thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint synovitis can be challenging. Surgical options in these patients are often limited due to the patient's youth and lack of arthrosis. One of the most commonly used techniques involves the use of the flexor carpi radialis to reconstruct the ligamentous complex of the thumb CMC joint. This technique is technically challenging and involves a wide exposure to the CMC joint. Furthermore, outcomes data on this technique are relatively lacking. We propose a novel minimally invasive technique to confer stability to the thumb CMC joint in the setting of persistent subluxation/synovitis using the Arthrex MiniTightrope system. Our clinical results are encouraging at mean 24 months postoperative with nearly all patients experiencing both statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in QuickDASH and Visual Analog Scale pain scores.