Abstract

Objectives:The aim of study was to evaluate the results of arthrodesis with K-wire fixation for the treatment of Eaton stage-III arthrosis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint in postmenopausal women.
Methods:Patients treated between January 2011 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Quick-DASH scores were calculated before surgery and after follow-up. Union status on direct graphy, the presence of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint arthritis at the end of follow-up and the development of compensatory hyperextension of the metocarpophalangeal joint were investigated. Hand grip strengths at the end of follow-up was measured.
Results:A total of 21 joints with arthrodesis in 19 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 56.6(52-72) years. Mean follow-up period was 57.7(17-90) months. In all patients, there was statistically significant improvement in the end of follow-up Quick-DASH score when compared with the presurgical score (p=0.001). Direct graphy at the end of follow-up revealed that there was non-union after arthrodesis in nine joints of eight patients (42.8%). In one patient without fusion following arthrodesis, revision surgery was performed (4.7%). There was no significant difference between the end of follow-up Quick-DASH scores of patients with and without union(p=0.84). The difference in hand grip strength in patients with fusion and non-union wasn’t statistically significant (p=0.214).
Conclusion:In our study, it was observed that k-wire arthrodesis of the first CMC joint was associated with high nonunion rates, but nonunion did not have an unfavourable effect on functional results.We believe that studies with large series are needed for a more precise result.

Key words: Arthrodesis, Carpometacarpal joint arthritis, Pseudoarthrosis