Abstract
We describe the short-term outcomes of combination therapy involving ear cartilage
transfer and suture-button suspension arthroplasty for the treatment of symptomatic
thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis. The concept is to reduce joint arthritis by
separate independent approaches, which are renewing the damaged joint surface of the
trapezium and first metacarpal bone suspension. Autologous ear cartilage is a desirable
material for joint resurfacing arthroplasty without postoperative synovitis or infection,
and it is expected to prevent bone impingement or recurrent joint arthritis when postoperative
suture-button slack or failure unfortunately occurs.
Keywords
thumb carpometacarpal arthritis - ear cartilage - suspension arthroplasty