Rhizarthrose

Pulse-dose radiofrequency can reduce chronic pain in trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis: A mini-invasive therapeutic approach

“…OA at the base of the thumb involves primarily the trapezio‐metacarpal articulation, although in some patients the degenerative changes are evident also in joints between trapezium, trapezoid and scaphoid . The trapezio‐metacarpal joint is termed as a saddle joint with concavity of the trapezial articular surface in the distal direction and the base of the first metacarpal bone is sitting as a “horse rider” in the saddle . Due to the extensive articular surfaces, the trapezio‐metacarpal joint allows a wide range of movements, although it is naturally incongruous.…”

“…Due to the extensive articular surfaces, the trapezio‐metacarpal joint allows a wide range of movements, although it is naturally incongruous. The stability of the trapezio‐metacarpal joint is ensured by a set of muscles and ligaments, but the continuous mechanical stress is often the cause of early arthritic degeneration …”

“…Pain is often elicited by compression at the base of the thumb, pinch and grasp maneuvers, circular and opposition movements . The standard radiographic antero‐posterior (AP) and lateral views have a pivotal role in staging trapezio‐metacarpal OA . The radiographic trapezio‐metacarpal OA is evaluated with the classification of Eaton and Glickel …”

“…The treatment for the trapezio‐metacarpal OA pain is generally started with conservative therapies and is considered useful in the early stages . These conservative therapies include pharmacological treatments with analgesic and anti‐inflammatory drugs and/or pain management treatments with ultrasound and electrotherapy .…”

“…The treatment for the trapezio‐metacarpal OA pain is generally started with conservative therapies and is considered useful in the early stages . These conservative therapies include pharmacological treatments with analgesic and anti‐inflammatory drugs and/or pain management treatments with ultrasound and electrotherapy . In advanced trapezio‐metacarpal OA, minimally invasive treatments can be attempted with intra‐articular injections of anesthetics, steroids or hyaluronic acid (HA) .…”