Thumb saddle joint arthrosis is often associated with subluxation of the metacarpal bone and simultaneous insufficiency of the stabilizing ligament apparatus at the carpometacarpal joint. In connection with rhizarthrosis, there are numerous procedures for restoring pain-free mobility of the thumb. However, the "gold standard" is trapezium removal with ligament reconstruction through tendon interposition plasty (LRTI = Ligament Reconstruction with Tendon Interposition).
In the LRTI group, the Epping operation is probably the most commonly used procedure in the German-speaking region. The trapezium is completely removed (Resection).
To prevent dislocation of the metacarpal I base towards palmar and radial, the bone is kept in line by means of a distally pedicled strip from the FCR tendon (= Flexor digitorum profundus tendon, deep flexor tendon) (Suspension).
The remainder of the tendon transplant is introduced as a spacer into the cavity of the former trapezium (Interposition).
This procedure in turn has countless variants regarding the suspension of the bone and the interposition of tendon material.
The procedure shown in this video therefore represents a method preferred by the author.