gms | German Medical Science

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes following total joint arthroplasty of the CMCJ.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective investigation was carried out of the medical records of patients who underwent CMCJ arthroplasty.

Rehabilitation was initiated day 1 post-operatively, during which a long thumb spica was also fabricated for each patient. Patients were instructed to remove the splint x3 daily and perform specific exercises of the CMCJ for the first 2 weeks. Patients were also advised on oedema management strategies and active range of motion exercises of unaffected joints. Splints were discontinued after 2 weeks, upon which resisted tip/functional pinch exercises were introduced with a focus on correct positioning. Patients attended weekly therapy sessions, in which individual limitations in function/ROM/strength were addressed with their hand therapist.

Results: The primary clinical outcomes for this investigation were: pain, ROM, Quick-DASH and grip strength which were assessed at the first, six and 12-week period post-operatively. All of the functional and clinical outcomes showed continued improvement between the initial, 6 and 12-week period. Reduced pain and improved function were found following CMCJ arthroplasty and an exercise program.

Conclusions: Initiation of active range of motion exercises day one post operatively and discontinuing the splint 2 weeks post op had the advantage of enabling the patients to return to early function and work.