Which would you choose again? Comparison of trapeziometacarpal implant versus resection arthroplasty in the same patient.

We invited 14 women who had undergone implant arthroplasty in one thumb and resection-suspension-interposition arthroplasty (RSIA) in the other to a follow-up visit at a median time of 2.2 and 6.2 years after implant and RSIA, respectively. In total, 12 patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome after implant arthroplasty, while eight patients reported this level of satisfaction for RSIA. Of the patients, 10 would choose an implant again, one would choose RSIA and three patients were undecided. The brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score and key pinch and grip strengths were significantly higher at follow-up for the thumb with the implant arthroplasty. Two revision operations were done 1.5 years after RSIA. Patients were satisfied with both procedures, but if they had to choose again, they would prefer implant arthroplasty. Level of evidence: III.