We compare clinically and radiologically two groups of total trapezectomy performed as treatment for the primary osteoarthritis of trapeziometacarpal joint combined in 83 cases (2000 to 2003) with tendon interposition arthroplasty type Weilby, in 51 cases (1987 to 1991) with Epping tendon interposition and ligament reconstruction arthroplasty in a retrospective study. In both groups we used a strip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The mean follow-up time in both groups is 33 months. Overall, both methods achieved similar results. The relief of pain and the patient satisfaction are better, stability and grip force are worse in the Weilby group. At least one year (12 to 57 months) after operation with the technique of Weilby, 88 % of the patients would prefer this method for the other side. It appears that there is no clinical and radiological benefit of ligament reconstruction. However, the two procedures studied yield equally good results in most cases, but we prefer the simple technique of Weilby and guess that the (missing) long-term results would be superior to the results after trapezectomy alone. Long-term results need to be evaluated.
In the past, the main emphasis in the treatment of complex limb injuries was placed upon the reconstruction of bony defects. Recently, however, reconstructive soft-tissue procedures have gained the attention they deserve. The salvage of a severely injured extremity depends rather on the feasibility of reconstructive surgical tissue procedures than on restoration of the bony defect. Sufficient vascularity is an essential condition for fracture healing and the prevention of post-traumatic complications like osteomyelitis and pseudarthrosis. If primary closure of a soft-tissue defect is not possible, preliminary covering has to be obtained with artificial skin replacement (vacuum sealing) until definitive covering with muscle or musculocutaneous flaps can be achieved. With the microvascular restorative techniques available today even complex soft-tissue problems can be solved. Nevertheless, an appropriate infrastructure and a trained and skilled surgeon are essential.
Experiences with more than 300 operations for TOS with a follow-up of at least one year are summarized. Detailed descriptions of the technique of operation with the supraclavicular approach and results of two groups of patients (106 and 66) are given: the first group was treated with supraclavicular or transaxillary approach and with scalenotomy combined with the resection of the first rib or without rib resection. The second group was operated by the supraclavicular approach without exception and always with the resection of the first rib. The results of the second group are better.
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