Failed CMC Tendon Arthroplasties

Ira Lown, M.D. and H. Kirk Watson, M.D.

Tendon arthroplasty for the CMC joint has rightly supplanted the older techniques utilizing silicone or metal implants. The purpose of this paper is to present the predominant features that we see in failed tendon arthroplasties. Just as there are many variations to the technique of tendon arthroplasty, there are multiple components to failed surgical procedures. However, there are identifiable, common issues that we feel are of major importance to the clinician reoperating on failed CMC tendon arthroplasties. These failures also speak to the primary objectives when doing an initial CMC tendon arthroplasty.

Published by the New England Hand Society 2005.