HAND – COMPLEX CASES
Costal osteochondral graft for rhizarthrosis
The costal osteochondral graft is a biological reconstruction technique that is still relatively uncommon; it is offered to certain young, active patients with advanced rhizarthrosis or destruction of the trapeziometacarpal joint, where the aim is to preserve the length of the thumb and avoid the need for a prosthesis.
The procedure involves harvesting an osteochondral graft from a rib, comprising a small piece of bone and its cartilage, and then shaping it to reconstruct the articular surface of the thumb. The aim is to relieve pain, preserve mobility and maintain good pincer strength.
Key points:
- Biological preservation of the joint.
- Indicated for selected patients, often young people.
- Avoids the need for prosthetic implants.
- A technique that is not widely used, with limited clinical experience to date.