Developing parameters for improved trapeziometacarpal joint prostheses; data from cadaveric joints (360G-Wellcome-211589_Z_18_Z)

The first carpometacarpal joint, also known as trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint is considered one of the most important in joint human body. It's articulated in such a way that in provide a whole range of movement that allow the hand to perform task with great dexterity. However, it is also a very vulnerable joint that will be likely affected on individuals with osteoarthritis, especially in women. To amend the underlying problem, prosthetic material can be made and replace the faulty cartilage during surgery to regain function of thumb. However, the estimated size of the prosthetic material is fairly difficult to customize because cartilage will not show up in normal X-ray, hence the estimate size of prosthetic material cannot be made in advance. This study will also to examine if there is a consistency in size and the pattern of degradation of cartilage in persons who had suffered from osteoarthritis (OA) of this joint. Ultimately, information from this study and other ongoing work will inform the structure and design of joint prostheses, with the particular goal of producing individually customised prostheses by 3D printing