Analysis of Articular Biomarkers From Osteoarthritic Thumb Basal Joints

Patients scheduled for trapeziectomy on the basis of thumb basal joint osteoarthritis will be asked to participate. Synovial fluid from the thumb basal joint is aspirated before the joint is opened. The trapezium bone and cartilage is harvested. Blood samples to evaluated lipid profile and glucose intolerance is drawn. Blood pressure and measurements of obesity is taken. Patients are also examined at baseline and 1 year postop with grip strength, pinch strength, range of thumb motion and asked to fill in patient-rated outcome measures; QuickDASH and NRS pain.

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women age ≥ 25 years
• Radiologically confirmed and symptomatic thumb basal joint osteoarthritis (OA) planned for trapeziectomy

Exclusion criteria

• Previous surgery to the affected thumb basal joint
• Post-traumatic thumb basal joint OA
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory arthritis, history of psoriasis affecting joints, gout or pseudogout
• Ongoing infection in the hand or wrist
• Inability to co-operate with the follow-up protocol or to assimilate information about the study protocol (language difficulties, severe psychiatric disorder, cognitive impairment, drug addiction)
• Systemic or intra-articular glucocorticoids or intraarticular platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid injections in the affected joint within 3 months prior to enrollment