Abstract
Objective Based on the available evidence, the optimal surgical treatment for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid
oarthritis (STT OA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the prevailing
surgical practice for isolated STT OA among European hand surgeons. We hypothesized
that a considerable variance exists in the current surgical practice among hand surgeons
in Europe.
Methods An online survey was distributed to 20 participating member states of the Federation
of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH). Respondents were questioned
on their country of practice, surgical experience, preferred surgical procedure, frequency
of performing this procedure, factors in decision-making, and other performed surgical
procedures.
Results Four hundred and sixty-five responses were received with an estimated response rate
of 19%. Trapeziectomy with partial trapezoidal excision was the surgical treatment
of choice among the participating hand surgeons in Europe (38%), followed by STT joint
fusion (30%), and distal scaphoid excision (14%).
Conclusion This survey provides an insight into the surgical management of isolated STT OA among
hand surgeons in Europe. A wide variety of preferred treatment techniques were found.
Evidence concerning the optimal surgical treatment has not been established. Future
prospective randomized studies comparing different techniques are warranted.
Keywords
scaphotrapeziotrapezoid - STT osteoarthritis - wrist - survey
