RESUMO
UNLABELLED: Osteoarthritis describes the degeneration of articular cartilage. Trapeziometacarpal joint is the second most commonly affected place in the hand. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical-functional results and the degree of personal satisfaction after dynamic suspension arthroplasty in patients diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal and descriptive study. Twenty five patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint and treated with dynamic suspension arthroplasty were studied. The clinical-functional state of the thumb was evaluated by means of the DASH questionnaire. RESULTS: Females were highly predominant (92%), mean age: 62.9 +/- 10.7, housewifes (44%), most affected right thumb (40%), operated right thumbs (56%), left thumbs (44%). Follow-up period: 3 years. Preoperative DASH average 61.7 points +/- 14.0 and postoperative DASH average 31.9 +/- 13.8. The surgery reduced grip and pinch strength for the operated hand but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Dynamic suspension arthroplasty constitutes an excellent surgical alternative for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis due it eliminates pain, preserves mobility, stability and offers a high degree of personal satisfaction.