Pyrocarbon Implant for Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis: Mid-term Clinical and Radiological Results

Elisabete Ribeiro, Melanie Ribau, Juvenália Ribeiro, Pedro Varanda, Luis Filipe Rodrigues
2021 Revista Iberoamericana de Cirugía de la Mano  
AbstractPyrolytic carbon implants for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthritis have been extensively studied, but there is still discrepancy in the literature concerning the mid-term functional results. Our group describes the clinical and radiological results after five years of surgical management of TMC arthritis with Pyrodisk (Integra Life Sciences, Plainsboro, NJ, US). A total of 19 patients (2 males and 17 females) aged 56.45 ± 5.95 (range: 44 to 67) years were reviewed with a mean follow-up of
more » ... 74.05 ± 14.43 (range: 60.00 to 105.83) months. At the final follow-up, the score on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain was of 1.76 ± 2.05, the average score on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire was of 22.73 ± 22.33, and all functional parameters were above the 90% barrier of the contralateral side. The progression of radiolucency was 89% at 1 year and 11% at 5 years of follow-up respectively, but it was not related to the clinical outcomes. The prevalence of subluxation (around one-fourth of the center of the implant) was of 24% in asymptomatic patients, and dislocation was not observed. The overall survival of the implant was of 89%. Revision took place in 11% of the cases due to persistent pain and implant breakage after direct impact. More than 75% of the patients were very or highly satisfied with the treatment. In conclusion, Pyrodisk enabled us to obtain good functional mid-term results, with an acceptable survival of the implant and low risk of dislocation. Radiological findings do not necessarily translate into clinical symptoms.
doi:10.1055/s-0041-1729998 fatcat:mx3x6b5f4fgmxad5fwo4vm2diq