Failure of artelon interposition arthroplasty after partial trapeziectomy: a case report with histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.) Huang, Y., Jazayeri, L., Le, W., Yao, J. 2015; 44 (4): E117–22

Abstract

Artelon is a degradable biomaterial used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. The device reportedly works through 2 modes of action-stabilization of the carpometacarpal joint by augmentation of the joint capsule and by formation of a new articular surface at the trapeziometacarpal interface. We present a patient with late failure of arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and Artelon interposition that required surgical excision of the Artelon implant and trapeziectomy 4 years postoperatively. Gross and histologic evaluation of the explanted Artelon implant and remaining trapezium revealed lack of articular resurfacing by hyaline ingrowth.

View details for PubMedID 25844594