Substantial Increase in the Incidence of Surgery for Osteoarthritis of the Base of the Thumb Between 1997 and 2019 in Finland

Abstract

Background/Aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) at the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMC) is common. However, no published data on the TMC-OA surgery incidence exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and trends of TMC-OA surgical treatment. Patients and Methods: A nationwide hospital discharge register-based study was conducted among patients surgically treated for TMC-OA in Finland between 1997 and 2019. Results: A total of 8,728 surgeries were performed. The annual surgery incidence increased 10-fold from 1997 to 2019. The incidence was higher in women and increased the most in the age groups of 50-59 and 60-69 years. TMC resection arthroplasty with or without ligament reconstruction and/or tendon interposition accounted for 91% of all surgeries. Conclusion: The increase in the surgical procedure rates is substantial. It is not explained by advancements in surgical treatment or by the ageing population. The indications for surgery appear to have become broader.