Guideline on managing thumb base osteoarthritis: The British Society for Surgery of the Hand Evidence for Surgical Treatment (BEST) findings and recommendations

Abstract

This review paper provides a summary of the evidence for non-surgical and surgical management of thumb base osteoarthritis and suggests guidelines through Clinical Practice Recommendations including Good Practice Points and a Patient Flow Algorithm. The guidelines were developed through systematic reviews in accordance with the British Society for Surgery of the Hand Evidence for Surgical Treatment (BEST) Process Manual, which has been accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. A stepwise approach is recommended with initial non-invasive treatment consisting of a comprehensive and multimodal package of supported self-management. Splints should be additionally considered for those who have not responded to a self-management package alone. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections should be considered in those who have not responded to non-invasive treatment. If symptoms fail to resolve, surgery should be considered. Additional procedures such as interposition or ligament reconstruction do not appear to confer any benefit over excision of the trapezium alone.