Carpometacarpal stabilization with abductor pollicis longus tendon yielded ‘excellent’ outcomes
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Published results showed “excellent” clinical outcomes and low morbidity at midterm follow-up among patients who underwent thumb carpometacarpal stabilization with an abductor pollicis longus tendon strip for habitual instability.
Sebastian Farr, MD, and colleagues assessed instability among 12 patients who underwent thumb carpometacarpal stabilization with an abductor pollicis longus tendon strip using clinical examination, VAS, DASH, Nelson, and Kapandji opposition scores, grip and pinch strength, and radiographic examination.
Results showed patients had a mean DASH score of 13.3, a mean VAS of 1.1 at rest and of 2.8 during stress, and a Nelson score of 87.7. Researchers found no significant differences in postoperative grip, pinch strength and passive stability between operated and non-operated sides. Researchers also noted recurrent instability in one patient, but no other complications. Signs of radiographic instability during stress testing was more common among patients with trapezium hypoplasia, according to results.
“Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) stabilization with an [abductor pollicis longus] APL tendon strip is an easy-to-do soft tissue procedure to stabilize the CMC1 joint in adolescents and adults with habitual instability who are resistant to conservative treatments. It yielded excellent clinical outcomes and low morbidity in the midterm,” Farr told Healio Orthopedics. “In the long-term, it may potentially prevent instability-related thumb basal joint osteoarthritis, which has been shown to be more common in individuals with CMC1 instability.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Farr reports he received honoraria from Orthofix SRL. Please see the study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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