Mini TightRope Suspension Allows for Accelerated Rehabilitation following Ligament Reconstruction Interposition Arthroplasty of the Basal Joint of the Thumb

Abstract

Introduction Surgical treatment of thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis usually involves 4 to 8 weeks of postoperative casting and splinting followed by varying mobilization protocols. Suspension arthroplasty has been described as an alternative to allow earlier range of motion exercises. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PRO) when adding a two-string suture-button suspension arthroplasty (Mini TightRope, MTR) to our usual procedure of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), allowing early mobilization. Can we allow early mobilization using this technique without jeopardizing the PRO results at the 1 year follow-up and without an increased risk of complication?

Materials and Methods A prospective study using the MTR system (Arthrex) as a suture-button suspensionplasty was conducted. Twelve patients (MTR group) and 36 historical patients (LRTI alone) were included.

Results At 12 months, the median value for quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand was 11.3 (range, 0–43.2) in the MTR group and 13.6 (range, 0–88.6) in the LRTI group, resulting in similar improvements, p = 0.46. One in twelve patients in the MTR group was dissatisfied and 9 in 36 in the LRTI group were dissatisfied, p = 0.41. No complications were observed during the first year.

Conclusion Supplemental suture-button suspensionplasty can be utilized for high demand patients and patients who want to reduce immobilization time without major complications and with similar PRO as LRTI at 6 and 12 months.

Level of evidence Four case series

Keywords

suture-button - interposition arthroplasty - TMC osteoarthritis - Mini TightRope

Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects before the study.

Ethical Approval

The Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS) approved the study 3–3013–2899/1, reference EMGW. Following approval from STPS, our local ethical committee decided that they did not require approval for this study (H-19086573). Registration of data was approved by our legal department (P-2020–129).

Authors' Contribution

CHJ conceived the study. RWJ did statistical analysis, drafting of manuscripts, gained approval from the Danish Data Protection Agency. KA did thorough manuscript revision and writing. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript

Publication History

Article published online:
03 August 2021

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