• Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) at baseline, 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. [ Time Frame: Subjects are followed for 12 months post-op. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Wrist range of motion, grip strength, radiographs, and pain Visual Analog Scale. [ Time Frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, 3,6 and 12 months. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthritis is a common condition, which occurs when the cartilage (tissue) covering the bones at the joint at the base of the thumb wear away. This condition occurs in 10% of women and 1% of men.

There is controversy regarding the best treatment of this condition and many surgical techniques are in common use.

One of these involves removing the wrist bone (trapezium) at the base of the thumb and, using a tendon from the forearm, reconstructing an important ligament, which contributes to the stability of the thumb. This is known as a Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI).

A newer type of operation involves the insertion of a Ascension PyroDisk which is made from a thick pyrocarbon layer encasing a graphite core with a small amount of tungsten. These materials have been shown to be safe when implanted in the body. The PyroDisk is a disk shaped design which has a curved surface designed to fit between the bony surfaces of the trapezium and the metacarpal, reducing pain and allowing for full movement of the joint.

It contains a hole in the center through which a strip of tendon can be passed and helps hold the disk in place.

This research study is designed to determine the effectiveness of the Ascension PyroDisk spacer when compared to the LRTI procedure described above. The effectiveness of both of these procedures will be determined by comparing range of motion, grip and pinch strength, x-rays, function and return to work. It is important to compare both procedures, as it is not known which procedure is the most effective.