Anyone ever had thumb joint surgery?

Abby Louise · ‎07-23-2015

I have arthritis in both thumb joints and recently had an appointment with a hand surgeon suggesting surgery and I'm wondering if anyone has had surgery or knows of someone who has. The remaining cartilage in my thumb joint would be removed and a piece of tendon, from the same hand, is rolled up and placed in the joint space. This would eliminate the pain from the arthritis. I would be in a cast for 6-8 weeks and then physical therapy. I also have carpel tunnel in both wrists which was the reason for the doctor visit. I have pain everyday now in my thumbs but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this surgery and if they were satisfied with the results.

Thank you.

spent2much · ‎03-10-2010

Yes, I've had thumb joint surgery on both hands. I was in a cast for approx. 6 weeks and then I started physical therapy. I found post surgery and PT to be very painful and it took quite a while for that pain to subside. I'm doing much better now, although if I use the mouse too much, that joint aches a bit. Then I go sit in my recliner. I have a low threshold for pain and I made it through. You will, too, and I wish you the very best.

ETERNITY: your choice... smoking or non smoking!

Zita · ‎05-24-2011

I have had surgery on both thumbs (at different times). I had lots of pain so the surgeon did the right hand one first. I have a screw (quite literally, have seen the x-rays) and have good use of it, but it doesn't move or look like a normal thumb. (Doesn't bend at the knuckle.) Just had splint and protector for several months. Hardest part was using my ignition key!

The second surgery on my left hand was much more extensive. It was a complete reconstruction of the thumb with removal of many bone spurs. I was in a large cast (halfway up my arm) for six weeks, but I got through it. Did physical therapy exercises after so I have full use of it and it looks great. The pain drove me to this, and I don't regret having the procedures. Just grit your teeth and know that time passes and all will be well. DON"T neglect the PT, it's very important.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Angel03 · ‎12-05-2010

Thank you for your reply! I have a high threshold for pain although I don't tolerate pain medication well so I'm a little concerned about the pain but from what you described, it seems doable. Glad you're doing well!

Angel03 · ‎12-05-2010

Glad to hear you're doing better now! I'm concerned about the physical therapy pain but I know that it's necessary. Hearing from others that have had it done does help. Thank you!

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

I've had this surgery, a CMC Arthoplasty, on both hands. In both case, the small bone - trapezium - had worn down to such an extent that my thumb was subluxed (chronically out of joint) and very painful, plus painful to use. Though the surgery was necessary for continued use of both hands without dropping things or being unable to grasp, I was very unfortunate to have developed CRPS in both forearms and hands as a result of the surgery. It is a permanent disability and ended up being worse in my right - dominant - hand. I experienced acute onset arthritis, loss of soft tissue, loss of mobilty, chronic pain and joint disfigurement to the point that I can no longer play the piano and have a horrible time writing. I also cannot sit on the floor, because with my malformed hands, cannot get myself back up again.

Please know that this occurs in only a very small percentage of patients who have the surgery - less than 1%.

Good casting and occupational therpy are both extemely important. You will probably participate in more occupational therapy session than you might have expected. Note: Hand Specialists are Occupational Therapsts vice Physical Therapists. Make sure you've got the best Occupational Therapst there is. She/he will make all the difference in your recovery.

God Bless.

Q-Checker · ‎05-09-2010

The best hand therapists are usually credentialed as Certified Hand Therapists with the letters CHT after their names. This credential, which includes passing a speciality exam, can be obtained by both licensed occupational therapists and physical therapists. In any event, I think that post-operative therapy should be fully discussed with your surgeon before the surgery as it is an important component in the outcome of any potentila hand surgery.

Angel03 · ‎12-05-2010

I'm so sorry to hear that you developed CRPS after your surgery. I can only imagine how you must feel after going through surgery to help improve the use of your thumbs and then having this happen.

I'm planning on taking my time to think this through and I feel that when the time comes, I will know that the surgery is necessary. I realize that with any surgery there are risks, this is something that I do think alot about. The doctor told me that therapy is necessary and important after surgery but this was my first appointment so he didn't go into detail about it yet. Thank you for the information about the therapy, this will be helpful so I can educate myself before the appointment and have my questions ready.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and I wish you good health!

Angel03 · ‎12-05-2010

Thank you for the information about hand therapists. I'm going to get right on this so I'm ready with my all my questions for when I have my appointment again with the hand surgeon. I'm not in a rush to have this surgery, I want to take my time and be as ready as I possibly can. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

TootyJane · ‎03-14-2010

Yes! I had my right thumb joint replaced three years ago due to arthritis. I had a newer surgery done with a BioPro implant, not the traditional arthroplasty (when they use your tendon). The surgery went well and I had about a 4 week recovery and no physical therapy. However, last December I started having terrible pain in my thumb joint -- just like before the replacement surgery. I went to my hand surgeon and because my bones are soft my thumb joint is failing. I am in the 30% group of joint failure. Doctor and I discussed the options and the plan now is to get "as needed" cortisone shots and eventually will have to re-do the surgery going the arthroplasty route. Since the surgery is a re-do, my recovery will be longer than if I had just had the arthroplasty to begin with. I still work and at this point in time taking 8 weeks off is out of the question. Good luck!