Changes in Key Pinch Strength after Excision of the Trapezium and Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract

Key pinch force was measured preoperatively and at follow-up (mean 25 months) in patients treated for basal joint arthritis by either trapziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition ( n=26) or total joint arthroplasty ( n=27). There was a significant increase in key pinch strength with both treatments, but no difference between the two treatments. Total joint arthroplasty does not appear to produce stronger key pinch than trapziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition.