Thumb Basil Joint Arthroplasty using the Speed Spiral implant

@jaddaj Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect. I have had CMC surgery on both hands, but was not familiar with the SpeedSpiral implant, so I went searching for information.

Apparently the technique has been in use for about 5 years, but I was unable to find any information about long term success.

Did the surgeon explain why they use the technique? Is the collagen eventually absorbed by the body, or does it remain in place permanently to support the joint? Can the doctor show you comparisons of recovery time, grip/pinch strength and long term success compared to other methods?

My surgeries were 5 and 15 years ago, and the technique used was suspension ksometimes called tightrope), where a button and wire are used to hold the metacarpal space so the thump does not collapse. I was very happy with the recovery time and the results.

Have you explored other surgical methods as well?

Thank you for your reply. I have seen three different surgeons and each have a different surgical procedure for this condition. I need both hands done but will have my dominate right hand done first. The Speed Spiral surgeon says that the pinch strength is better and the success rate is 95%. The collagen does get absorbed by the body and in doing so creates scar tissue and tissue mass that supports the base of the thumb. I guess it is about the same idea as the tendon relocation process but with the human collagen eliminating the need to remove the forearm tendon. He said the surgery time is reduced by about 50%. I was also told about a mini tighrope procedure which must be similar to what you had done. What was your recovery time with this type of surgery, and has your thumb maintained it height? I guess I have a ton of apprehension because there is about five different procedures to correct this condition. The Speed Spiral is the newest of the group and it is difficult to find any information and long term success. Thanks for your reply and if you have any further information to provide it would be appreciated. Thanks, John

Yes, the mini-tightrope was a smashing success for me on both hands - neither has collapsed after 5 & 15 years, in spite of my heavy use. My friend had both of hers done and the one with the tightrope looks perfectly normal 5 years later and is more functional than the one done with the tendon coil.
My pinch and grip strength are above average for my 70+ years and I have no pain. Trying to remember exact recovery time, but after 2 weeks splinted, I began PT and using for light daily activities, was back to gardening, refinishing furniture, painting, sewing, biking...within 4 months. I continued to gain strength for 7-8 months.

Thanks for your reply. It helps me with my decision knowing I need both hands done over time. I am also researching CMC joint denervation and wondering if that might be a path I could take.

What is the recovery time for this surgery? Do you wear a soft splint for 6 weeks?

Here is the summary of an article about 5 year results -
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9870806/
At 5 years over 40% of patients had pain recur, and did the full CMC repair. I think if you can be happy with that outcome, and with possible loss of sensation in the thumb, it is an avenue to consider. I had the carpectomy with trapeze method done, one of mine is over 15 years old, the other 5 - no recurrence of pain or joint failure.