Vol. 10, Issue 1 (2024)

Background: Basal joint arthritis (BJA), a common degenerative condition of the thumb, presents significant challenges in terms of pain management and functional impairment. While several surgical techniques exist for BJA reconstruction, each has its limitations, including donor site morbidity and prolonged rehabilitation. The suture suspension arthroplasty technique has emerged as a novel approach, aiming to address these drawbacks by offering reduced surgical morbidity and accelerated recovery.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of suture suspension arthroplasty in the reconstruction of basal joint arthritis, comparing it with traditional surgical approaches.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with symptomatic basal joint arthritis who underwent surgical intervention between [start date] and [end date]. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent suture suspension arthroplasty and those who underwent traditional surgical techniques such as trapeziectomy or arthroplasty with implant. Clinical data including preoperative symptoms, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, and complications were collected and analyzed. Functional outcomes were assessed using standardized measures such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain.

Results: A total of [number] patients were included in the study, with [number] undergoing suture suspension arthroplasty and [number] undergoing traditional techniques. The suture suspension group demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (p< 0.05), reduced postoperative pain scores (p< 0.01), and earlier return to daily activities compared to the traditional surgery group. Furthermore, patients in the suture suspension arthroplasty group exhibited comparable or improved functional outcomes as measured by DASH scores and thumb range of motion.

Conclusion: Suture suspension arthroplasty emerges as a promising technique for basal joint arthritis reconstruction, offering advantages such as reduced surgical morbidity, shorter operative times, and faster recovery compared to traditional approaches. While further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term outcomes, initial results suggest that suture suspension arthroplasty holds great promise in improving patient satisfaction and quality of life in the management of basal joint arthritis.