• Hsueh-Min Kuo, I-Ning Lo, Cheng-Yu Yin, Jung-Pan Wang, and Yi-Chao Huang.
• Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
• J Chin Med Assoc. 2024 Jul 1; 87 (7): 686690686-690.

BackgroundLigamentous laxity, cartilage wear, and diffuse synovitis are frequently seen in thumb basal joint arthritis. Although these degenerative changes may be mild for the majority, they have the potential to cause discomfort during movement and compromised hand function. This study assesses the long-term outcomes of arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, and thermal shrinkage in managing early-stage basal joint arthritis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with basal joint arthritis who underwent arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, and thermal shrinkage between November 2010 and January 2021 by a single surgeon at our medical institute. We assessed functional outcomes, thumb range of motion, perioperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, return to work and satisfaction level.ResultsA total of 12 patients (13 hands), with a mean follow-up of 72 months, were included in this study. Significant improvements were observed in pain scores and functional outcomes, along with a reduction in postoperative NSAID use. Patients also reported a relatively quick return to work and a high satisfaction level.ConclusionThe study highlights the benefits of arthroscopic intervention, providing a minimally invasive approach with favorable long-term outcomes for patients with symptomatic basal joint arthritis.Copyright © 2024, the Chinese Medical Association.

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