In a traditional thumb joint reconstruction, the surgeon removes the trapezium — the small bone that connects the thumb to the wrist — then harvests a piece of tendon from the patient and implants it between the thumb and wrist to serve as a spacer. Patients often need three months to fully recover.
How long does pain last after thumb surgery?
The first 6 weeks are tough with pain, weakness, and stiffness in the thumb. Most patients have minimal pain by 3 months after surgery. Your symptoms will continue to improve with improvements in ability to do more activities every 3 months.
Is thumb joint surgery painful?
It is an excellent, pain-relieving surgery that doesn't require fusion of the thumb joint, and therefore preserves the thumb motion.” Hays says that during thumb joint surgery, “the surgeon makes an incision over the region of the thumb basilar joint.
How long after thumb surgery can I drive?
Around 5% of people have a reaction to hand surgery and their hand becomes painful or stiff after the procedure. This varies in severity and is treated with therapy. You can return to driving when you feel you can control the vehicle safely. This is usually 6-12 weeks after surgery.
Is thumb surgery a thing?
Thumb Arthroplasty is surgery to replace part or the entire joint at the base of your thumb. Thumb Arthroplasty is a procedure that is performed on patients with advanced basilar thumb arthritis. The procedure is intended to alleviate pain in the thumb and improve function.
25 related questions foundWhat is thumb reconstruction surgery?
Thumb Joint Reconstruction Surgery involves making an incision over the region of the thumb basilar joint and removing the trapezium (one of the bones in the thumb joint) and cushioning or suspending the thumb joint with the patient's own tissue (flexor carpi radialis tendon) to reconstruct the joint.
Do you need a cast after thumb surgery?
The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you will go home the same day. After surgery, your thumb will be placed in a cast for three to four weeks, followed by a plastic splint for four to six weeks. Typically, it takes between six and eight weeks to regain full movement in your thumb.
How long does a Trapeziectomy operation take?
The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes. Your surgeon will make a small cut on the back of your hand at the base of your thumb, and remove the trapezium.
Is a Trapeziectomy painful?
Will I be in pain? It is not uncommon for you to have some pain after a trapeziectomy. This pain may last up to six months after surgery. A splint should help reduce your pain, but if it carries on please discuss this with your consultant surgeon or GP who may advise you on medicines to help.
Is thumb arthritis a disability?
Yes. Arthritis can prompt incapacity, as can numerous other mental and physical conditions. If your arthritis confines your daily movements, or activities you may qualify for disability benefits.
When is surgery needed for thumb arthritis?
If you don't respond to other treatments or if you're barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.
Can surgery fix arthritis in hands?
Yet surgery to repair the damage from hand arthritis is relatively rare. One reason is that finger surgery has a high complication and failure rate. It can also sacrifice mobility for pain relief. The two main surgical options for hand arthritis are fusion (arthrodesis) and total knuckle replacement (arthroplasty).
How do you strengthen your thumb after surgery?
Be sure to bend your fingers as much as you can and place your thumb around the outside of your fingers. Do this for several seconds, then straighten and spread your fingers as far apart as you can. You can also grip a ball or other round, solid object in the palm of your hand to increase resistance.
How long do you have to keep your hand elevated after surgery?
Elevate your arm and hand
To prevent and minimize swelling and pain, raise the hand/arm above the level of the heart for 3-5 days. When indicated, you will be given a sling or blue Carter pillow. The hand may be held down only for brief periods of time.
What happens after thumb joint replacement?
Following surgery, the thumb is padded and a splint is applied to promote healing. You may experience some discomfort and swelling. Your doctor will recommend some pain medication to help. Keeping the hand elevated above your heart can also help relieve the symptoms.
Are you put to sleep for hand surgery?
In most hospitals, surgery on the hand and wrist is usually performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients must undergo preoperative tests, fast starting the night before, and spend an hour or more in a recovery room.
What is the most common complication with thumb arthroplasty?
There are always risks with any surgery. The most common complications after a thumb arthroplasty include infection, temporary numbness along the top of the thumb, and stiffness.
What is a thumb Trapeziectomy?
Trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure to treat a medical condition called “thumb base arthritis”. The procedure involves removal of a small, cube-shaped bone known as the “trapezium” at the base of the thumb joint which joins your thumb to your wrist.
Are you awake for thumb arthritis surgery?
What is the technique for surgical treatment of thumb base arthritis (Trapeziectomy)? This operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will not be awake during the procedure.
How painful is trigger thumb surgery?
Surgery may initially cause some pain or soreness. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter painkillers for relief. Immediately after surgery, a person should be able to move their finger or thumb. Be gentle with movements at first; full movement can be expected to return in 1 to 2 weeks.
How long does pain last after basal joint surgery?
The majority of patients return to most activities by 3 months after surgery. Full recovery of normal activities may require up to 6 months. Most studies report high patient satisfaction rates and good short- and long-term pain relief after basal joint arthroplasty (1,2).
What is basilar thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis, also known as basilar joint arthritis, is the joint at the base of the thumb which allows for the swivel and pivoting motions of the thumb and is the most common form of osteoarthritis affecting the hand.
Can thumb arthritis be cured?
While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.
What is CMC thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint wears away. Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of your thumb — also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.
