Hyperextension of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is frequently seen with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, but there is no consensus on the indication for, or type of, treatment. We re-examined 12 thumbs at a mean of 9 (range 6-13) years following MCP capsulodesis using a suture anchor performed with trapeziectomy. Mean MCP hyperextension improved from 45 pre-operatively to 19 at 1 year post-operatively. At 9 years follow-up, it had increased to 30 but was still significantly better than pre-operatively (p = 0.007). Mean MCP flexion was 37 and near normal opposition was retained. The median pain score had improved from 5.5 to 1 (p = 0.002). Thumb key and tip pinch and hand grip strength showed no significant change from pre-operative values. No thumb MCP had symptomatic radiological degeneration. Our results suggest that MCP capsulodesis preserves a useful range of MCP flexion but stretches out over time. However, this did not result in increased pain or thumb weakness.
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