Swanson trapezial implant in the treatment of peritrapezial arthrosis. A study of eighty cases.

ABSTRACT

Eighty cases of peritrapezial arthritis of the thumb treated by Swanson's trapezial implant have been reviewed by the authors. They advocate a slightly modified technique and emphasize the importance of "varisation" of the implant and of correct resection of the greater multangular bone. Follow-up was at least one year in all cases, maximum 10 years, the mean being 3 1/2 years. Results were judged as very good in 75% of the cases, fair in 20% and poor in 5%. This study emphasized the cases of failure by implant instability and its causes. In 8 cases, abnormal wear of the implant or of the scaphoid bone raises the question of long-term tolerance of silicone implants.