Over time, movement and pressure on the thumb joint can cause joint deterioration and arthritis for some. When this occurs, uncomfortable symptoms can impact daily life. Thumb joint arthroplasty may be appropriate to help relieve symptoms.
What is Thumb Joint Arthroplasty?
Thumb joint arthroplasty is a procedure to replace part of or the entire joint at the base of the thumb. Those with advanced basilar thumb arthritis often benefit from this procedure to alleviate pain in the thumb as well as improve function.
During this procedure, general or regional anesthesia will be used. The surgeon will create an incision over the thumb joint, through which part or all of the wrist bone will be removed. Part of the thumb bone may also be removed. He will then reconstruct your joint using cartilage, an artificial implant, or a tendon taken from your forearm. The incision will then be closed with stitches and covered with bandages.