Background The thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis is one of the most common pathologies in the hand with controversial treatment options.

Description of Technique Describe the use of arthroscopic technique for thumb CMCJ arthrodesis and the clinical outcome.

Patients and Methods Cases with Eaton III thumb CMCJ osteoarthritis treated with arthroscopic arthrodesis were reviewed. Patient evaluations include: grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion, Kapandji score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the visual analog scores for pain. All cases were assessed before the surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Radiographs were reviewed.

Results There were total 16 patients with 18 arthrodesis performed. The average age was 62.2 years with M:F ratio of 2:7. The average follow-up time was 57.2 months. There was improvement of pain score as early as at postop 3 months (p < 0.001) and continued to improve at 6, 12, and 24 months. There was improvement of grip strength and pinch strength at 12 and 24 months (p < 0.001). The DASH score showed improvement as early as at 3 months (p = 0.012). There was a reduction of Kapandji score and interphalangeal joint motion at 3 months postop, but these returned to normal at 6 months. There was no major complication. There was one case of nonunion (5.6%).

Conclusion Arthroscopic arthrodesis is a feasible treatment option and provides excellent pain relief, restore thumb strength and stability, retain functional thumb mobility, and hence improvement in hand function.

Approved by Research Ethics Committee (Ref: KC/KE-20–0259/ER-2).

United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong.

Received: 13 May 2023

Accepted: 23 November 2023

Article published online:
25 January 2024

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