A five-year prospective outcome study of pi2 pyrocarbon arthroplasty for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

This prospective study aims to reports the first review of Pi(2) pyrocarbon implants with a 5-year follow-up. We included 42 cases in 39 patients. Mean patient age at surgery was 63 years. Operative The surgical technique consisted on trapeziectomy and minimal trapezoidectomy with dorsal capsuloplasty and a ligamentoplasty to avoid the luxation dislocation of the implant. Overall satisfaction ranged from very satisfied to satisfied for 97 % of the patients, and none were dissatisfied. Pain relief was excellent. Mobility range and strength were increased and comparable to the opposite side. Return to full activities was complete after 76 days on average. The radiographic review reported two implant dislocations and minimal bone remodeling was present in 29 % of patients, with no clinical significance. The Pi(2) implant is well tolerated at 5 years. The major benefits are preservation of the length of the thumb, increasing its strength and mobility, and the short recovery period. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.