J Wrist Surg 2020; 09(03): 263-267
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692477
Survey or Meta-analysis
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Scaphometacarpal Space and Postoperative Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Kevin Rezzadeh
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, New York University, New York
,
Megan Donnelly
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, New York University, New York
,
David Daar
2   Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, School of Medicine, New York University, New York
,
Jacques Hacquebord
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, New York University, New York
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

31 March 2019

03 May 2019

Publication Date:
12 July 2019 (online)

Abstract

Background A common notion is that more complex techniques for treating trapeziometacarpal arthritis such as ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) better preserve the scaphometacarpal (SMC) space compared to a simple trapeziectomy and that this leads to superior functional outcomes.

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the relationship between scaphometacarpal space and objective outcomes such as grip and pinch strength as well as subjective patient-reported outcomes.

Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting SMC space and outcomes after surgery for carpometacarpal arthritis. The primary outcomes of these studies included any measure of postoperative scaphometacarpal space (trapezial height/trapezial index) as well as key pinch strength, grip strength, or lateral pinch strength. Studies that did not assess for association between SMC space and outcomes were excluded.

Results Fourteen studies were included in this systematic review. Three (21.4%) studies found a statistically significant correlation between postoperative SMC space and postoperative pinch or grip strength. The correlation was weakly positive in one study (key pinch vs. scaphometacarpal space, r = 0.13), positive but unlisted in another (lateral pinch vs. trapezial ratio), and negative in the third study (key pinch vs. trapezial space ratio, r = −0.47).

Conclusion Preservation of the SMC space postoperatively is not associated with postoperative outcomes. Further research is necessary to better characterize the importance of maintaining the SMC space in patients undergoing LRTI in order to substantiate claims by proponents of the procedure.

Note

This study does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.


 
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