Restoration of Thumb Strength and Function in Basal Joint Arthritis: A Comparative Effectiveness Trial (RESTART)

Study Procedures: Upon obtaining informed consent and within 4 weeks of the planned date of surgery, each site coordinator will collect baseline clinical and demographic information, a visual analogue score (VAS), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-10) Global Health Survey, the short form Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and grip and then pinch measurements from the participant. On the same day, and immediately following collection of baseline clinical data in the clinic, the surgeon will anesthetize the trapeziometacarpal joint. Adequacy of the injection and resulting anesthesia of the joint will be assessed by repeat of the VAS score. Following 15 minutes set time for the local anesthetic, the VAS diagram will again be completed by the patient followed by recording of repeat grip and then pinch measurements. Each patient will then undergo one of three pre-specified procedures; trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction-tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty with flexor carpi radialis tendon; trapeziectomy with suture suspensionplasty; or arthroscopic trapeziectomy with temporary K-wire fixation. Patient follow-up visits are otherwise scheduled according to the surgeon's routine and by clinical indication only. The patient will follow the routine postoperative rehabilitation protocol and hand therapy program of the operating surgeon. Protective splinting and exercise programs are to be utilized per surgeon protocol and preference.Postoperative study assessment will occur at three and six months after operation, The 3 and 6 month evaluation will include PROMIS-10 and QuickDASH surveys, completion of the VAS pain diagram, and recording of grip, key, and pulp to pulp pinch strengths. Additionally, specific notation of paresthesias, dysaesthesias, or sensitivity of the incision will be made by the surgeon or hand therapist at the 3 and 6 month assessments.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and females 21 years of age or older;
• Undergoing elective non-prosthetic, primary basal joint arthroplasty;
• Patient has necessary mental capacity to participate and comply with study protocol;
• Patient is willing and able to give informed consent; and
• Patient is willing to participate under the care of their chosen surgeon.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, psoriatic arthritis, or other related inflammatory arthritis;
• Patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral hand procedures of any nature;
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• Women of reproductive potential unless there is a negative urine pregnancy test on the day of surgery. Women of child bearing potential include those who are premenopausal who have not had a bilateral oophorectomy, hysterectomy or tubal ligation. Post-menopausal is defined as not having had a menstrual period for at least one calendar year.
• Vulnerable patient populations including prisoners and institutionalized individuals.