If you have thumb pain or thumb arthritis, you may have heard of something called rhizarthrosis. This is a type of arthritis that happens at the base of the thumb where it connects to the wrist. One treatment for this is called a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis, or TMP for short. But how well do these prostheses work? And are there any serious complications?
A recent study reviewed different types of TMPs used to treat rhizarthrosis and looked carefully at the major complications that can happen with these implants. The researchers aimed to understand why some prostheses fail and what can be done to save them.
Here’s what they found:
- Different TMP models showed varying success rates.
- The most common major complications were dislocation and loosening of the implants.
In this article
How do TMPs perform?
You may be wondering which TMP models worked best and how long they lasted. Here is where it gets interesting! The study reviewed six different TMP models implanted over 15 years, including Arpe(R), Elektra(R), Ivory(R), Maia(R), Isis(R), and Touch(R).
| Model | Survival Rate | Years Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Arpe(R) | 95.5% | 6-16 |
| Elektra(R) | 80% | 13-14 |
| Ivory(R) | 92.8% | 9-11 |
| Maia(R) | 100% | 8-9 |
| Isis(R) | 99.1% | 1-8 |
| Touch(R) | 100% | 1-4 |
What are the main complications?
The biggest problems with TMP implants are dislocation, where the prosthesis moves out of place, and loosening, where it no longer stays secure inside the joint. These issues were responsible for many of the major complications described in the study. In fact, the Elektra(R) model accounted for almost half of these problems.
Here’s a quick look at the main complication rates:
- 3.5% dislocations
- 4% mobilizations (loosening)
The way the prosthesis is placed seems equally important. For example, the Isis(R) model was placed using scopic guidance every time, and this helped achieve better alignment and fewer problems.
How can failed TMPs be rescued?
If an implant fails, surgeons may have to perform rescue surgery to remove or stabilize the prosthesis. In this study, they performed 19 such surgeries over 15 years. Thankfully, only 3% of implants were completely lost and had to be removed.
One key takeaway from this research is the importance of correct placement and design of the prosthesis to prevent complications in the first place.
FAQ
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis at the base of the thumb. It can cause pain and make everyday tasks like opening jars difficult.
How does a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis help with thumb arthritis?
This implant replaces the damaged joint at the base of your thumb, reducing pain and helping to improve movement.
Does every implant work the same way?
No, different models have different survival rates and complication risks, meaning design and placement are crucial.
Wrapping it up
This study shows that trapeziometacarpal prostheses can be very effective for treating thumb arthritis when placed correctly. However, dislocation and loosening remain the most common concerns, especially with certain models.
If you’re considering treatment for thumb pain or rhizarthrosis, it’s essential to ask your doctor about their experience with these implants. Being informed can make a big difference in your results.
This site uses published scientific articles to break down medical facts into simpler terms. Explore more content to better understand your condition and treatment options!
Important Notes
This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personalized treatment recommendations.
Study Citation
Sanchez-Crespo, M. R.; Couceiro-Otero, J.; Del Canto-Alvarez, F. J.; Ayala-Gutierrez, H.; Holgado-Fernandez, M. (2024). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37918688