Hand arthritis can be debilitating, causing pain and loss of function in the hands. It can prevent you from doing simple tasks like turning a door knob or simply holding a spoon. Fortunately, surgery can help relieve pain and improve hand function if other treatment options have failed. The type of surgery needed will depend on the severity of your arthritis and its location in your hand.
Here are some different surgical approaches:
Joint Fusion Or Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis fuses or joins two bones together, and usually helps arthritis in the thumb or small finger joint. The surgeon makes an incision over the joint and removes the damaged cartilage. The bones are then held in place with metal pins, wires, or screws and allowed to heal. Once the bones have healed, you will not be able to move the joint. This surgery is usually the last resort when other treatments haven’t helped relieve pain or improve function.
The procedure is an outpatient surgery, which means you can go home the same day.
However, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight if your provider deems it necessary.
Arthrodesis may be an option if you have:
- Thumb or small finger arthritis that has not responded to other treatments
- Arthritis in multiple joints in the hand
- Severe pain and loss of function in the hand
Your provider will perform arthrodesis depending on the location of your arthritis and the severity of your condition. They may do a partial fusion on a few bones in a joint, allowing you to keep some movement. They may also perform a complete fusion, which fuses all bones in the joint. This procedure eliminates all movement in the affected area.
Providers commonly recommend arthrodesis for patients with arthritis affecting the:
- Base of the thumb
- Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint – the joint in the middle of the finger
- Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint – the joint at the end of the finger
Joint Replacement Or Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty replaces a damaged joint with an artificial implant. You may need a partial or total joint replacement, depending on your condition. The different implants include:
- Plastic implants – the most common type of implant used in hand surgery; made of a durable plastic material that is resistant to wear and tear
- Ceramic implants – made of a strong yet lightweight material that is also resistant to wear and tear
- Metal implants are made of titanium or stainless steel and are very strong and durable
- Silicone implants – made of a soft, gel-like material that is less likely to cause inflammation
Your doctor will choose an artificial implant based on your age, activity level, and the severity of your arthritis. The replacements usually last for years, but you may need another surgery if it wears out.
Your provider may perform the procedure arthroscopically, a less invasive technique with a shorter recovery time than open surgery. They will make small incisions around the joint and insert a tiny camera to view the area. The surgeon then removes the damaged cartilage and replaces it with the artificial implant. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day.
Joint replacement surgery may be an option if you have:
- Severe pain and loss of function in the hand
- Arthritis that has not responded to other treatments
Your doctor will usually recommend joint replacement surgery if you are younger and more active. This type of surgery is more likely to last longer and provide better function than arthrodesis. Usually, doctors recommend arthroplasty for arthritis that affects the:
- Base of the thumb
- Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint – the joint at the base of the thumb
- Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint – the joint in the middle of the finger
Tendon Transfers For Hand Arthritis
Tendon transfers involve moving tendons from one area of the hand to another to improve hand function. Your provider performs the procedure by making an incision over the tendon at the wrist. The tendon is then detached from the bone and attached to the thumb using screws or sutures.
The tendon is a tissue that connects muscle to bone. Arthritis can damage the hand tendons by making them weaker and less flexible, resulting in tears or ruptures. Tendon transfer surgery is usually done as a last resort after other treatments, such as physical therapy, have failed.
Top Notch Hand Arthritis Surgery In Plantation, FL
Hand arthritis can prevent you from doing the activities you love. Fortunately, some treatments can help you regain function and relieve pain, like surgery. Joint replacement surgery and joint fusion are options for some people with hand arthritis. You may also consider tendon transfer surgery if other treatments have failed to relieve your symptoms.
The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center is here for you if you’re looking for hand arthritis surgery in Plantation, FL. We have a team of specialists headed by Dr. Tosca Kinchelow who can give you compassionate care. You may call us at (954) 635-5300 to learn more about our services. You may also use our appointment request form to book a consultation.
We look forward to serving you!
