Arthrodesis of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint is one of the first surgical procedures used to treat thumb basal joint arthritis. From 1970 to 1990, we performed 254 TMC arthrodeses with crossed K-wires. From 2015 to 2016, we performed 12 TMC arthrodesis procedures with shape-memory staples. The results were evaluated with De La Caffinière's classification and took into account patient satisfaction and any complications. The results were satisfactory overall, without any significant difference between the two fixation methods but with a rather high complication rate. The indication for arthrodesis in surgical treatment of thumb basal joint arthritis is based on the patient's age and occupation. The best indication is a young active patient.