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Background: Pyrocardan® (Wright Medical-Tornier) is a pyrocarbon implant proposed in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ) osteoarthritis. Our aim was to assess the clinical and radiographic results after Pyrocardan® arthroplasty at midterm follow-up.Methods: In this prospective monocentric study, we enrolled 119 patients treated with Pyrocardan® for TMCJ osteoarthritis and followed up at a minimum of four years. The clinical outcome was assessed through the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain and the Kapandji score collected pre-operatively, at three, six and 12 months, then yearly. Hand radiographs were taken before surgery, at three months and every year. Complications and re-operations were also recorded.Results: The mean follow-up was 5.2 years (range, 4-9). DASH, VAS and Kapandji scores significantly improved at three (p < 0.001 in all cases) and six months (p < 0.001, p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), remaining stable over time. The dislocation and subluxation rates were 3.3% (4 cases) and 16.8% (20 patients), respectively. The two year, four year and seven year survivorship of the implant was 99%, 98% and 95%, respectively.Conclusion: Pyrocardan® arthroplasty provides a satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcome for treating TMCJ osteoarthritis, with a 97% survival rate at four years. We advocate comparative studies with more common techniques (i.e., trapeziectomy) to verify its cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Trapeziometacarpal (TM) osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis of the hand. To date, among surgical alternatives proposed, no one type has been proven superior to others. In this prospective study we evaluated the efficacy of treating arthroplasty with a latest-generation pyrocarbon implant (Pyrocardan).Methods: Thirty-six patients with TM arthritis were treated using Pyrocardan implant arthroplasty. Results were evaluated through thumb radial and palmar abduction assessment, key pinch strength evaluation, thumb opposition assessment according to Kapandji classification, the visual analogue scale, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Patient's Satisfaction Index.Results: There was substantial pain reduction and a satisfying increase in range of motion and strength (p < 0.01) and improvement in DASH score (p < 0.01). Average Patient's Satisfaction Index was 8 out of 10.Conclusions: TM arthroplasty with Pyrocardan implantation is a suitable option in treating Eaton-Littler grade II or III TM osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]