Eaton and Littler (1969) examine the functional anatomy of the thumb CMC joint using cineroentgenography to characterize dorsal subluxation patterns, then present outcomes of arthrodesis in 20 patients — 12 with degenerative arthrosis and 8 with paralytic or fibrotic thumb deformities — asking whether fusion can restore stability and function without unacceptable loss of motion.
This paper represents a landmark contribution to thumb basal joint surgery, establishing fusion as a treatment option that remains in the surgical armamentarium for appropriate cases of severe TMC joint disability.
Understanding historical approaches like fusion helps contextualize modern ligament reconstruction and arthroplasty techniques.
Eaton and Littler (1969) examine the functional anatomy of the thumb CMC joint using cineroentgenography to characterize dorsal subluxation patterns, then present outcomes of arthrodesis in 20 patients — 12 with degenerative arthrosis and 8 with paralytic or fibrotic thumb deformities — asking whether fusion can restore stability and function without unacceptable loss of motion.
This paper represents a landmark contribution to thumb basal joint surgery, establishing fusion as a treatment option that remains in the surgical armamentarium for appropriate cases of severe TMC joint disability.
Understanding historical approaches like fusion helps contextualize modern ligament reconstruction and arthroplasty techniques.