The first forty-five Steffee trapeziometacarpal total joint replacements
that were used to treat severe trapeziometacarpal arthritis in thirty-eight
patients were analyzed retrospectively. The length of follow-up ranged from
two through six and one-half years. Forty-two of the arthroplasties
resulted in relief of pain, and the restoration of strength and motion was
highly satisfactory. Although radiographs showed a high incidence of
asymptomatic radiolucent lines at the bone-cement interface of the
trapezial component, only three patients had symptomatic loosening. We
concluded that trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement can provide good
relief of pain and restore function of the thumb to patients with severe
trapeziometacarpal arthritis, although further study is necessary to assess
the long-term results of the procedure.