Cathy, Andrew, Bender, Paul Perry, and Criag Carter
Background: The mini-tight rope suspensionplasty is a relatively new surgical procedure for treatment of carpometacarpal arthritis. Carpometacarpal arthritis is becoming a frequent diagnosis seen in hand surgery and hand therapy. There is currently minimal research available regarding the post- operative therapy progression and the outcomes related to post-operative management after mini-tight rope suspensionplasty. Therefore, we ask, is a CMC mini-tight rope suspensionplasty, combined with a post-operative therapy course, a favorable option to improve function, increase strength, and decrease pain?
Methods and findings: Twenty six participants underwent the mini-tight rope suspensionplasty procedure and were progressed through the post-operative therapy protocol. Therapy lasted 10 weeks post-operation and measurements were taken pre-operation and at crucial intervals of six weeks, 10 weeks, and six months post-operation. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant decrease in QuickDASH scores (3, 9=34.852, p=.000) with a large effect size (partial ETA2=.921), as well as significant decrease in pain rating (3, 10=15.812, p=.000) with a large effect size (partial ETA2=.826). Overall range of motion and grip and pinch strength improved as well.
Conclusions: This surgical procedure and post-operative rehabilitation protocol appears to be a good option for improving function, increasing strength, and decreasing pain in patients with CMC joint arthritis. Furthermore, the rehabilitation protocol appears to expedite the recovery while reducing the common risks of complimentary approaches such as pin tract infection and excessive joint stiffness.
Level of evidence: III