Is increased trapezial slope a cause of early trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis?

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis in the hand. The underlying causes are multifactorial. We investigated whether increased trapezial slope could be a causal factor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We measured trapezial slope and 1st metacarpal slope in 37 patients with early thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis and compared results with 41 patients without osteoarthritis, using computer-supported 3D-analysis based on CT scans.

RESULTS

There was a significant intergroup difference in trapezial slope (111 ° in patients with osteoarthritis, and 107 ° in patients without) and in 1st metacarpal slope (17 ° versus 14 °).

CONCLUSION

Steeper trapezial slope seemed to be a risk factor for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Therefore, correction of trapezial slope by trapezium osteotomy could be a valuable surgical approach in early thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.