Is thumb joint replacement successful?
Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.
How long does it take to recover from thumb joint surgery?
This operation results in a major change to the way your thumbs works. Your body takes time to rebuild the structures around the base of the thumb and to learn to move in a different way. Recovering the early movement takes six to eight weeks, but increasing the strength of the thumb pinch can take six months.
Is thumb joint replacement painful?
Initially, the thumb is padded and a splint is applied to immobilize the thumb. This will keep it in a natural position to promote proper healing following surgery. There may be some discomfort and swelling, but your surgeon will recommend pain medication to help alleviate the symptoms.
How long is pain after thumb arthroplasty?
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. Patient usually have good strength and motion at 6 months, and continue to improve for up to 1 year after surgery.
Is heat or cold better for thumb arthritis?
Icing the joint for five to 15 minutes several times a day can help relieve swelling and pain. Apply heat. For some, heat may be more effective than cold in relieving pain.
Do they put you under 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.
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.
How long do you wear a cast after thumb surgery?
Two weeks after surgery, you will have your first post-operative visit. At this visit, your plaster cast will be removed, and you will go to physical therapy to be fitted for a custom splint, which you will wear for four weeks.
How painful is a Trapeziectomy?
Many patients experience a high degree of pain after a trapeziectomy however some appear to have a comfortable and uncomplicated recovery. Research has looked at different surgical and splinting techniques to improve recovery but have found little difference.
What’s the worst arthritis to have?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is recognized as the most disabling type of arthritis.
What is the best way to treat arthritis in the thumb?
Treatment
- Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.
What is the recovery time for a thumb joint replacement?
The time it takes to rehabilitate depends on the type of procedure used. Recovery takes up to three months after replacement with a prosthesis implant. Patients wear an arm-length cast with the thumb pointing out for about three weeks after this type of joint replacement surgery.
How long is recovery from thumb joint surgery?
In this procedure, the surgeon corrects the deformities due to which the joint experiences problems. The surgeon either cuts or repositions the bones accordingly so that the deformities can be eliminated. Recovery from Thumb Arthritis Surgery. The recovery period may take from six weeks to several months.
What is the recovery time for thumb arthroplasty?
The recovery period may take from six weeks to several months. In fact, it may actually take more than a year for the thumb to regain its range of motion and strength. After the surgery, you will have to wear a splint for up to 6 weeks.
What is the best surgery for thumb arthritis?
Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI) In use for more than 40 years, LRTI is the most commonly performed surgery for thumb arthritis. The arthritic joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated.