SUMMARY
The ligamentous reconstruction according to Eaton and Littler, is designed to restore the stability of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. However we saw many patients with persisting pain and loss of thumb function. We evaluated the satisfaction after an Eaton and Littler-procedure as well as possible risk factors in the development of thumb basal joint instability. A retrospective chart review, clinical assessment and telephone survey was executed in 33 patients who had undergone this surgery, with a mean follow-up of 7 years. Only 45% of the patients were satisfied. Within the group of clinical assessed patients, there were significant differences in thumb function comparing operated with not operated side. Hypermobility in the joints can be a contributing factor for this thumb basal joint instability, but has no effect on the outcome after an Eaton-Littler procedure.Eaton and Littler-surgery does not alleviate pain and loss of thumb function in 55% of patients with instability of the basal joint of the thumb.