Comparison of RegJoint™ and suspension arthroplasty (2022)
German researchers Dietrich et al. compared two surgical techniques for treating trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis:
- suspension arthroplasty (SA) alone, and
- suspension arthroplasty combined with a bioabsorbable RegJoint™ implant (RJ).
Study Design:
- 34 patients, 37 thumbs (SA: 14, RJ: 23)
- Mean follow-up: 5.3 years
- Evaluation: patient questionnaires (DASH, PRWE, PEM), pain (VAS), clinical and radiological assessments
Key Findings:
- Clinical and patient-reported outcomes were similar in both groups
- Palmar abduction was slightly better in the RegJoint™ group
- No significant differences in pain, grip strength, or function
- Osteolysis was observed in both groups (SA: 2, RJ: 3), with no significant tissue reactions
- The implant did not increase complications, but also did not show clear added benefit
Conclusion:
The RegJoint™ implant is a safe option for trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, but did not demonstrate significant advantages over suspension arthroplasty alone. The authors recommend further studies with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up.
Full reference, link to publication below:
Dietrich, A. K. I. M., Winkelmann, M., O’Loughlin, P. F., Krettek, C., & Gaulke, R. (2022). Arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint with or without bioabsorbable polylactide scaffold (RegJoint™) interposition. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation, 41(1), 65–72.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hansur.2021.09.010