Introduction and Objectives: The simple surgical removal of the trapezium has been criticized for many years because of the possibility that there could be a future shortening of the column of the thumb, accompanied by weakness, with the possibility of further complications with a subluxation or painful osteoarthritis of the non-union. Recent studies question this hypothesis. We present the evolution of simple trapezectomies carried out in our Service with a minimum 9 year follow-up.

Materials and Methods: We clinically and radiologically reviewed 22 wrists operated before the year 2000. We carried out subjective and objective assessments of each parameter in each patient: pain, degree of satisfaction, rigidity, fist strength and pincer function and joint balance.

Results: Mean postoperative follow-up was 10.2 years. In 79% of cases there was a high degree of satisfaction. Fist strength and pincers function were approximately equal to 90% of the contralateral hand. In 31.5% of cases some degree of arthritis was seen; the mean space of the non-union was 4 mm.

Discussion and Conclusions: In spite of the loss of thumb height, the degree of subjective satisfaction and objective functionality were reasonably good after 10 years of postoperative follow-up.