The Eaton-Littler Ligament Reconstruction in Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Instability: Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in 74 Patients

Background: The Eaton–Littler ligament reconstruction is widely used for thumb carpometacarpal instability, yet the existing literature lacks a thorough analysis of the outcomes for nontraumatic instability. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of the Eaton–Littler ligament reconstruction and to identify prognostic factors associated with postoperative pain. Methods: Patients with nontraumatic carpometacarpal joint instability, unresponsive to conservative treatment, were included in this prospective study. The visual analog scale (range 0 to 100) for pain and the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ; range 0 to 100) total score were measured at intake and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the association between preoperative variables and the 12-month MHQ pain score. Results: Seventy-four patients undergoing Eaton–Littler ligament reconstruction were included. The median visual analog scale pain score improved significantly (P < 0.001) from intake (70 [interquartile range, 63 to 78]) to 12 months postoperatively (27 [interquartile range, 7 to 56]). The mean MHQ total score also improved significantly (P < 0.001) from intake (52; SD, 13) to 12 months (74; SD, 17). All thumbs were stable at follow-up with preserved range of motion. Grip and pinch strength also improved significantly after surgery. Undergoing a concurrent surgery during ligament reconstruction and a better MHQ pain score at intake were found to be predictors of a favorable postoperative MHQ pain score. Conclusions: Patient- and clinician-reported outcomes improved significantly at 3 and 12 months after Eaton–Littler ligament reconstruction. The authors advise concurrent hand pathologies resulting from instability (eg, tendinitis, synovitis) to be treated simultaneously during ligament reconstruction.