FCR or APL in LRTI - A Single Surgeon Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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We are investigating the use of the flexor carpi radialis and abductor pollicis longus tendons in the use of trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition. Previous studies have shown clinical equipoise, and we plan to do a randomized controlled trial to further assess.

Detailed Description
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Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA) is a great societal burden. Its prevalence has been reported as high as 36% in select populations, and is directly responsible for reduced work productivity and absenteeism in many cases. In 1949 Gervis originally described simply removing the offending bone, the trapezium, and trapeziectomy has since shown favorable outcomes. Many others have subsequently published similar clinical results with the same technique. However, it has been noted that with trapeziectomy alone there is the risk of metacarpal subsidence into the trapezial fossa over time, which may have an impact on patient outcomes. This observation was the impetus for the development of several more complex surgical interventions for TMC OA. A recent Cochrane review investigated the literature available comparing seven surgical interventions for TMC OA. There were very few significant differences discovered, and they ultimately did not identify a single procedure as superior. The included studies however were noted as being of low quality, and the authors called for more robust trials with standardized outcome measures. One of the more popular techniques reviewed is the trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). First described by Eaton and Littler, it has been met with widespread adoption, and has shown good results. It theoretically reconstructs the ligament responsible for maintaining the metacarpal's position, and also places a tendon interposed between the two bones (scaphoid and base of the first metacarpal) thus limiting its collapse. The most commonly used tendon for reconstruction of the volar beak ligament is the flexor carpi radialis (FCR), but recent reports have also advocated for use of the abductor pollicis longus (APL). The APL tendon already inserts onto the base of the first metacarpal, obviating the need for creating a bone tunnel, which is required when using the FCR. It can also be harvested without the need for additional incisions. Only one study has directly compared the two procedures, and the results were similar for both. Based on the available literature, trapeziectomy with LRTI may confer minor advantages to simple trapeziectomy. Currently, surgeons at our institution unanimously prefer the LRTI procedure, however there is discord on which tendon is best suited for the reconstruction. We hypothesize that complications will be similar between the two procedures, but DASH scores and operative time will be significantly decreased when using the APL tendon for reconstruction.

Official Title
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Flexor Carpi Radialis or Abductor Pollicis Longus in Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Osteoarthritis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Flexor carpi radialis
* Procedure: Abductor pollicis longus


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: patients with any grade of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis undergoing surgical correction with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition Exclusion Criteria: previous wrist surgery, inflammatory arthritis
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Flexor carpi radialis<br>These patients will have their trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition using the flexor carpi radialis tendon. | Procedure: Flexor carpi radialis<br>* Ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition completed using the flexor carpi radialis tendon<br>|
| Active Comparator: Abductor pollicis longus<br>These patients will have their trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition using the abductor pollicis longus tendon. | Procedure: Abductor pollicis longus<br>* Ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition completed using the abductor pollicis longus tendon<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Disabilities of arm shoulder and hand questionnaire | questionnaire | 5 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| thumb range of motion |  | 5 years | 
| grip strength | jamar dynamometer | 5 years |