Thumb Basilar Joint Classification

Eaton Littler Stage I

• Normal joint with the exception of possible widening from synovitis
• Treatment = Ligament reconstruction or metacarpal extension osteotomy

1. Normal articular countours, slight joint space widening caused by effusion/synovitis/ligamentous laxity.

Eaton Littler Stage II

• Joint space narrowing with debris and osteophytes less than 2 mm in size.
• Treatment = LRTI, or trapeziometacarpal fusion or implant arthroplasty.

1. Mild joint narrowing, osteophytes less than 2mm in size, minimal sclerosis/cystic changes.

Eaton Littler Stage III

• Joint space narrowing with debris and osteophytes greater than 2 mm in size
• Treatment = LRTI, or trapeziometacarpal fusion or implant arthroplasty.

1. Marked joint space narrowing, sclerosis and cystic changes in the trapeziometacarpal joint.
2. Osteophytes >2mm

SBI Artelon

• Scaphotrapezoidal joint space involvement in addition to narrowing of the trapeziometacarpal joint.
• Treatment = LRTI with complete trapezium excision.

1. Marked joint space narrowing, sclerosis and cystic changes in the trapeziometacarpal joint.
2. Osteophytes >2mm
3. Joint space narrowing, sclerosis and cystic changes in the scaphotrapezoidal joint.