All About Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery
Living with thumb arthritis can make simple tasks—like gripping objects, turning door knobs, or even writing—painful and difficult. In the early stages, physical therapy, medications, or injections can help manage this condition. But if your thumb arthritis worsens and makes it hard to perform daily tasks, you may need thumb joint replacement surgery.
One common reason for thumb arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects the cartilage that protects the bones from breaking down. Other factors, like rheumatoid arthritis or injuries, may also affect thumb joints.
If you’re experiencing constant pain and restriction of thumb movement, the surgeon at ATX Robotic Surgery (Austin, TX) can give you the relief you need. Schedule your consultation to live pain-free again.
Understanding Thumb Joint Arthritis
Thumb joint arthritis usually affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, i.e., the base of your thumb, where it meets the wrist. With time, arthritis can damage the smooth cartilage that protects the thumb joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Causes
Thumb arthritis can be caused by aging, overuse, or past injuries to the joint. While aging is the most common cause, activities that stress the thumb joint, like heavy manual labor, can make the condition worse.
Symptoms
People with thumb arthritis often feel pain at the base of the thumb, swelling, reduced movement, and a weak grip. As the condition gets worse, daily tasks become harder to do.
At first, braces, pain medications, and changes in lifestyle can help manage this condition. However, if it gets worse and symptoms become more severe, thumb joint arthritis surgery may be recommended.
If you are not sure about the severity of your condition, our specialist can thoroughly diagnose and guide you.
What is Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery?
Thumb joint replacement surgery, also called carpometacarpal arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged parts of the thumb joint and making sure the thumb stays suspended in its anatomic position.
Types of Thumb Joint Replacement Surgeries
There are a few types of surgeries for treating thumb arthritis:
- Total Joint Replacement: Replace the entire thumb joint with an implant.
- Joint Fusion: Fuses thumb bones for stability, eliminating pain but limiting movement.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Uses tendon to replace the bone that causes pain.
- Hemiarthroplasty: Replaces only part of the joint while preserving healthy areas.
- Resection Arthroplasty: Removes one of the small bones, using a technique to suspend the thumb at its original length.
The implants used in thumb joint replacement surgeries are made from strong materials like pyrocarbon or titanium. These materials are designed to work like a natural joint, allowing for smooth movement and lasting a long time.
Benefits of Thumb Joint Replacement
The main benefits of thumb joint replacement surgery are:
• Pain Relief and Improved Function
Patients begin to feel less pain, allowing them to gradually use their thumb without any constant discomfort. The surgery improves the flexibility and functionality of the thumb.
• Enhanced Quality of Life
With thumb joint replacement surgery, patients can get back to activities like cooking, writing, and gardening that they may have had to stop due to thumb arthritis.
• Long-Term Results
The thumb joint implants used in surgery are built to last for many years, offering long-lasting relief. The materials used are strong, giving patients a stable joint for many years after surgery.
By alleviating chronic pain, you can experience newfound freedom in your hands.
Who is a Candidate for Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery?
Not everyone with thumb arthritis will need joint replacement surgery right away.
For those with less severe symptoms, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, splinting, and injections can work well. These treatments reduce pain and improve how the thumb works without surgery. However, when these methods stop working, surgery may be the best choice.
If you’re feeling a lot of pain, losing thumb function, or showing other signs of thumb arthritis, it’s time to see a specialist. They will examine you, look at imaging tests, and talk with you about your symptoms to decide if surgery is the right option for you. Non surgical treatment options are offered initially if the condition is not yet severe enough to warrant surgery.
What to Expect During the Surgery?
Knowing what happens during total joint replacement surgery can make you sure and ready for the procedure.
• Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before surgery, you will have some x-rays and general questions regarding your health. Your doctor will talk to you about anesthesia options (local or general) and give you the necessary instructions before the surgery, such as not eating or drinking the night before the operation.
• The Surgery Process
- A cut is made at the base of the thumb.
- The damaged bone and cartilage are taken out.
- The surgeon places a thumb joint implant made of metal or plastic to restore joint movement, or suspends the thumb with a different technique.
- The incision is stitched up, and a bandage and splint are placed.
The surgery generally takes about 1 hour, depending on the case.
Recovery Process
Your process to recovery will generally include:
• Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, you’ll get instructions on how to care for your thumb. You might feel some pain, swelling, and stiffness for a few days, which can be managed with medication and rest.
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Simple exercises help restore movement and strength to the thumb. Over several weeks, you’ll gradually increase the intensity of these exercises.
• Timeline for Recovery
Most patients can start light activities a few weeks after surgery, with full recovery taking about three to six months, depending on the individual.
Reach out to ATX Robotic Surgery for a personalized consultation. Our experienced doctor will understand your specific needs and concerns. We’ll guide you through the details of how thumb joint replacement can help reduce your pain, improve movement, and enhance your daily life. Book your appointment today!
Living with thumb arthritis can make simple tasks—like gripping objects, turning door knobs, or even writing—painful and difficult. In the early stages, physical therapy, medications, or injections can help manage this condition. But if your thumb arthritis worsens and makes it hard to perform daily tasks, you may need thumb joint replacement surgery.
One common reason for thumb arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects the cartilage that protects the bones from breaking down. Other factors, like rheumatoid arthritis or injuries, may also affect thumb joints.
If you’re experiencing constant pain and restriction of thumb movement, the surgeon at ATX Robotic Surgery (Austin, TX) can give you the relief you need. Schedule your consultation to live pain-free again.
Understanding Thumb Joint Arthritis
Thumb joint arthritis usually affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, i.e., the base of your thumb, where it meets the wrist. With time, arthritis can damage the smooth cartilage that protects the thumb joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Causes
Thumb arthritis can be caused by aging, overuse, or past injuries to the joint. While aging is the most common cause, activities that stress the thumb joint, like heavy manual labor, can make the condition worse.
Symptoms
People with thumb arthritis often feel pain at the base of the thumb, swelling, reduced movement, and a weak grip. As the condition gets worse, daily tasks become harder to do.
At first, braces, pain medications, and changes in lifestyle can help manage this condition. However, if it gets worse and symptoms become more severe, thumb joint arthritis surgery may be recommended.
If you are not sure about the severity of your condition, our specialist can thoroughly diagnose and guide you.
What is Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery?
Thumb joint replacement surgery, also called carpometacarpal arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged parts of the thumb joint and making sure the thumb stays suspended in its anatomic position.
Types of Thumb Joint Replacement Surgeries
There are a few types of surgeries for treating thumb arthritis:
- Total Joint Replacement: Replace the entire thumb joint with an implant.
- Joint Fusion: Fuses thumb bones for stability, eliminating pain but limiting movement.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Uses tendon to replace the bone that causes pain.
- Hemiarthroplasty: Replaces only part of the joint while preserving healthy areas.
- Resection Arthroplasty: Removes one of the small bones, using a technique to suspend the thumb at its original length.
The implants used in thumb joint replacement surgeries are made from strong materials like pyrocarbon or titanium. These materials are designed to work like a natural joint, allowing for smooth movement and lasting a long time.
Benefits of Thumb Joint Replacement
The main benefits of thumb joint replacement surgery are:
• Pain Relief and Improved Function
Patients begin to feel less pain, allowing them to gradually use their thumb without any constant discomfort. The surgery improves the flexibility and functionality of the thumb.
• Enhanced Quality of Life
With thumb joint replacement surgery, patients can get back to activities like cooking, writing, and gardening that they may have had to stop due to thumb arthritis.
• Long-Term Results
The thumb joint implants used in surgery are built to last for many years, offering long-lasting relief. The materials used are strong, giving patients a stable joint for many years after surgery.
By alleviating chronic pain, you can experience newfound freedom in your hands.
Who is a Candidate for Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery?
Not everyone with thumb arthritis will need joint replacement surgery right away.
For those with less severe symptoms, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, splinting, and injections can work well. These treatments reduce pain and improve how the thumb works without surgery. However, when these methods stop working, surgery may be the best choice.
If you’re feeling a lot of pain, losing thumb function, or showing other signs of thumb arthritis, it’s time to see a specialist. They will examine you, look at imaging tests, and talk with you about your symptoms to decide if surgery is the right option for you. Non surgical treatment options are offered initially if the condition is not yet severe enough to warrant surgery.
What to Expect During the Surgery?
Knowing what happens during total joint replacement surgery can make you sure and ready for the procedure.
• Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before surgery, you will have some x-rays and general questions regarding your health. Your doctor will talk to you about anesthesia options (local or general) and give you the necessary instructions before the surgery, such as not eating or drinking the night before the operation.
• The Surgery Process
- A cut is made at the base of the thumb.
- The damaged bone and cartilage are taken out.
- The surgeon places a thumb joint implant made of metal or plastic to restore joint movement, or suspends the thumb with a different technique.
- The incision is stitched up, and a bandage and splint are placed.
The surgery generally takes about 1 hour, depending on the case.
Recovery Process
Your process to recovery will generally include:
• Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, you’ll get instructions on how to care for your thumb. You might feel some pain, swelling, and stiffness for a few days, which can be managed with medication and rest.
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Simple exercises help restore movement and strength to the thumb. Over several weeks, you’ll gradually increase the intensity of these exercises.
• Timeline for Recovery
Most patients can start light activities a few weeks after surgery, with full recovery taking about three to six months, depending on the individual.
Reach out to ATX Robotic Surgery for a personalized consultation. Our experienced doctor will understand your specific needs and concerns. We’ll guide you through the details of how thumb joint replacement can help reduce your pain, improve movement, and enhance your daily life. Book your appointment today!
