79 women aged 40 years and older diagnosed with severe stage IV osteoarthritis (OA) were randomly assigned to undergo ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) of the basal thumb joint using either the Burton-Pellegrini (BP) or the Weilby technique. The BP technique uses a bone tunnel at the base of the thumb, while the Weilby technique does not. The purpose of this study was to compare the short- and long-term pain and physical function outcomes of both techniques. Findings suggested the BP technique prompted faster recovery than the Weilby technique, with better clinical outcome at 3 months. Outcome at 12 months was not significantly different between groups.