Gerwin 1997

Methods	RCT Exp: Trapeziectomy with LRTI (FCR) C: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction with Mitek suture anchor
Participants	Age (mean): Exp/C = 61/62 Gender: Exp/C = 9/11 Stage of OA (mean): Exp/C = not stated Number of subjects: Exp/C = 9/11
Interventions	Surgery Exp/C: Exp: Trapeziectomy with LRTI (FCR) C: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction (no rolled tendon spacer used to place within the void of the resected trapezium). Post‐operative management not stated
Outcomes	Pain: Not reported Physical function: Subjective overall satisfaction with the procedure was reported for the 2 groups Patient global assessment: Not reported Range of motion: Radial and palmar abduction were measured in degrees and the ability of the thumb to touch the volar aspect of the 5th MP joint was recorded at 23 months follow‐up. Strength: Grip strength was measured with the Jamar dynamometer, and 2 point and 3 point pinch strength were measured with a pinch‐meter at 23 month follow‐up and measured in kg. Trapeziometacarpal joint imaging: The height of the reconstructed basal joint (scapho‐metacarpal distance) was measured on lateral radiographs both at rest and during pinch. Adverse events: Not reported
Notes	Average follow‐up of 23 months We tried to contact one of the trial authors but no further information was provided.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Quote: "patients were randomised to one of two groups". Comment: Method of randomisation sequence generation was not stated.
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Unclear risk	—
Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias) All outcomes	Unclear risk	Quote: "Patients returned for blind assessment". Comment: Unclear who was blinded or how they were blinded.
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) Subjective outcomes (patient reported)	Unclear risk	Comment: Unclear if participants were informed of surgery performed prior to final review.
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) Objective outcomes	Unclear risk	Comment: Unclear if participants were informed of surgery prior to final review. Observer bias in recording outcomes cannot be excluded (e.g. rounding up or down) as it is unknown if they were blinded until final review.
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes	Unclear risk	Comment: No comment on if all enrolled participants were reviewed or if any were lost to follow‐up.
Selective reporting (reporting bias)	Unclear risk	We did not identify a protocol.