Article

When conservative modalities and therapies fail to control symptoms of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC)
joint osteoarthritis, surgery may be indicated.
PURPOSE : To present
a rehabilitation protocol used in a series of patient cases after suspension
arthroplasty and to evaluate outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with CMC
osteoarthritis were treated by the same arthroplasty technique and the same
rehabilitation program. Patients were evaluated before and 12th week after
surgery, and at the last follow-up using a visual analog scale; the Disability of
the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; strength measurements; range of motion
evaluations; and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: Average follow-up period was
31.5 months. There was a decreasing trend in both subjective scores during
follow-ups (p=0.0001). Thirty-three percent and 30% improvements on radial and
palmar abductions, respectively, and 29% improvement on pinch strengths were
recorded at the final follow-up. Postoperative grip improvement was not preserved
at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate a high degree of
patient satisfaction suggesting the efficacy of this surgical technique and
postoperative rehabilitation protocol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS