More than 95% of patients are happy with the results of the surgery. But improvements can continue to be made for 6–12 months after surgery as the thumb strengthens. Most people find that the arthritic pain is gone within 4_8 weeks after surgery. Range of motion exercises are usually commenced at this stage under the supervision of the hand therapist. At this stage, a thermoplastic splint is fitted, which is worn for 4–6 weeks. Around 10–14 days after the operation, the wound is reviewed by your hand therapist. Bending and straightening of the fingers during this time is strongly encouraged. You need to keep your hand elevated as much as possible for the first 5 days after surgery. The skin is sutured closed and a cast is then applied. A small portion of one of the wrist tendons is then harvested and used to fill the affected space and stabilise the base of the thumb. The trapezium bone is removed, creating extra space in the joint. A tourniquet is placed above the elbow to ensure a bloodless field then an incision is made over the base of the thumb (palm side). It usually takes 30–40 minutes to complete. Surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic as a day procedure. Surgery is usually reserved for when non-surgical options fail to relieve symptoms. Our specialists at Orthopaedic Clinics Gold Coast will work with you to create the best treatment plan for your particular situation. medications (egoral anti-inflammatories or joint injections).non-drug therapy (eg rest, seeing a hand therapist for joint protection, thumb splints and exercises).All have the same goals – to control pain and improve the function of the elbow so that you can move better and get on with everyday living. There is no cure for arthritis but there are several very effective treatments. The most common investigation is an X-ray of the thumb, which shows typical features of osteoarthritis, including loss of joint space, osteophytes or bony swelling around the joint How is base of thumb arthritis treated? A Grind Test, where the thumb is pushed along its long axis towards the base of the thumb, can also be specifically tender.Your grip strength will be compared in each hand. Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination include looking and feeling (or palpating) your thumb. The pain and reduced grip strength can limit many daily activities. pain when moving or touching the joint at the base of the thumb.What are the symptoms of base of thumb arthritis? It does occur in men, but it’s much less common. Around 1 out of 10 will seek medical treatment and only 1in 100 is severely affected. Approximately 40% of postmenopausal women have X-ray changes at the base of the thumb. It is a very common condition among postmenopausal women and women over 50 years of age. Without a cartilage cushion in the joint, you basically have bone rubbing on bone. This condition involves deterioration of the smooth cartilage covering the surfacesof the joint at the base of the thumb. Rotator Cuff Repair and Subacromial Decompressionīase of thumbarthritis refers to inflammation of where the thumb joins the hand – this is the carpometacarpal (or CMC) joint.
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