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Imaging and management of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

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Abstract

Primary osteoarthritis (OA) involving the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common and frequently debilitating disease. Clinical examination and radiographs are usually sufficient for diagnosis; however, familiarity with the cross-sectional anatomy is useful for diagnosis of this condition. The most widely used classification system for the radiographic staging of thumb carpometacarpal joint OA was first presented by Eaton and Littler, ranging from mild (stages I and II) to severe (stage IV) disease. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is considered. A variety of surgical techniques have been developed and implemented for the management of this pervasive and disabling condition. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy of the basal joints of the thumb, pathophysiology, preoperative imaging, and various surgical techniques that are utilized in the treatment of OA of the basal joints of the thumb with emphasis on normal postoperative radiographic findings and possible postoperative complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona Health Network, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA

    David M. Melville, Mihra S. Taljanovic, Luke R. Scalcione, Joseph M. Eble & Lana H. Gimber

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The University of Arizona Health Network, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, P.O. Box 245064, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5064, USA

    Gregory L. DeSilva & Joseph E. Sheppard

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  1. David M. Melville
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  2. Mihra S. Taljanovic
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Correspondence to David M. Melville.

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Melville, D.M., Taljanovic, M.S., Scalcione, L.R. et al. Imaging and management of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Skeletal Radiol 44, 165–177 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1997-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1997-0

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