Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis is a common and debilitating disease that can be managed nonsurgically or surgically. Nonsurgical management includes orthotics, thenar strengthening exercises, NSAIDs, steroid injections, and hyaluronic acid injections. Various surgical techniques are available for the management of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis. Suspension arthroplasty is a biologic arthroplasty procedure that is indicated in patients with Eaton-Littler stage II to stage V thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis. The technique involves trapeziectomy and suspension of the first metacarpal bone using a hemi-flexor carpi radialis tendon. Postoperatively, the first ray is protected using a splint with thumb support for 3 weeks. After removal of the splint, the patient begins rehabilitation for recovery of full range of motion and muscular strengthening of the thumb, especially in opposition.

In our study, 24 patients were treated via suspension arthroplasty between July 2010 and May 2012. The minimum follow-up was 3 years. We evaluated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores; visual analog scale scores; thumb carpometacarpal grind test results; Kapandji scores; and recovery of range of motion, key grip, and pulp pinch grip. We obtained excellent to good clinical and radiologic results in patients who underwent this procedure. In conclusion, flexor carpi radialis tendon suspension arthroplasty is a reliable and successful procedure that results in good patient-reported outcomes, especially for pain relief and satisfaction, and a low rate of complications without the need for a special postoperative protocol.