How successful is thumb joint replacement?

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 successful is a Trapeziectomy?

A trapeziectomy is excellent at removing the pain of the arthritis, and with a reduction in pain, you will notice an increase in grip and pinch strength and overall function. However, the recovery from this procedure is slow. It takes most patients 4-6 months to return to all their normal activities.

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.

What can I expect after thumb arthritis surgery?

After surgery your thumb will be immobilized in a splint for about 6 weeks (a non-removable splint will be worn for the first 10 days, and then a lighter removable splint for the remainder of the 6 weeks that can be taken off to shower and wash your hands).

How long does it take to recover from thumb joint surgery?

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.

When is a Trapeziectomy necessary?

Other indications for trapeziectomy can be: Tenderness, swelling, and stiffness at the base of the thumb. A thumb that appears crooked with limited range of motion. Difficulty in gripping or grasping objects or in pinching.

How long is recovery after thumb surgery?

Though the surgery is successful in stabilizing the thumb, it is followed by a minimum six-month recovery time before the patient regains their strength and grasp, Ruch says.

How long does it take to recover from thumb fusion surgery?

As mentioned above, you will wear a cast on your arm and hand for about six weeks to give the fusion time to heal. When the cast is removed, you may have stiffness or pain in the joints closest to the fused joint or pain around the surgical incision.

How long is pain after thumb arthroplasty?

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.

How do you strengthen your thumb after surgery?

Finger Bend Exercise – Extend your fingers, keeping them straight. Now gently bend them at the knuckles as much as possible. Then strengthen your fingers and repeat 50 times each hour. The purpose of this exercise is to improve muscle strength and range of motion.