Influence of the anatomy of the proximal articular surface of the trapezium (PAST) and the trapezoidal articular surface of the trapezium (TRAST) in cup placement during trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty

The influence of the anatomy of the proximal articular surface of the trapezium (PAST) and the trapezoidal articular surface of the trapezium (TRAST) on cup placement during trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty was retrospectively evaluated on 56 preoperative anteroposterior radiographs of patients who underwent surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The percentage coverage of the prosthetic cup by the PAST and the available height of the trapezium were calculated. In 39% of cases, there was a significant difference (up to a mean 4.5 mm, p < 0.001) between the radial height of the trapezium (which is usually considered) and the available height of the trapezium. The anatomy of the PAST and the TRAST has an impact on the placement of the prosthetic cup when trapezium height is low. The results of the present study suggest that these considerations must be known by all operators performing trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty; that lateralization, implant suspension, or surgical alternatives should be considered to prevent several intra- and postoperative surgical complications.