Hand & Wrist Surgeries and Treatment Procedures
Joint Reconstruction Surgery, also commonly referred to as arthroplasty, is a procedure in which a destroyed or severely damaged joint is reconstructed to relieve pain and improve function. Depending on the type of joint being repaired, different types of material including special metal or plastic or specific kinds of carbon-coated implants will be used for the replacement. In the case of the thumb, a procedure called tight rope anchor suspension is often utilized.
WHO’S A CANDIDATE?
Someone is a candidate for surgery when the hands or wrists have been weakened either by arthritis or a traumatic injury. Surgery becomes an option once conservative treatment methods such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and splinting prove ineffective at relieving pain. The overall goal of joint reconstruction surgery is to help patients regain diminished strength, improve functionality and, of course, relieve pain.
PROCEDURE OPTIONS EXPLAINED
Once it’s been established that you are a candidate for surgery, there are a few different procedure options. The right procedure for you will depend on age, hand dominance, occupation, degree of pain, level of usage, mobility goals and, of course, the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Surgical Cleaning
This procedure is often performed when there are painful bone spurs present due to arthritis or, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, large amounts of inflamed tissue. Removing bone spurs and inflamed tissue is most beneficial when it involves joints at the end of the fingers (DIP joints), as opposed to at the base of the fingers or the wrist.
Joint Fusion
Generally reserved for patients with advanced arthritis, joint fusion involves removing the joint altogether and surgically fusing the bones together so that the two bones become one solid bone. This procedure eliminates pain, but also eliminates motion, which affects functionality.
Joint Replacement
This option is most beneficial for treating arthritis in older patients with lower activity levels, as well as those affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Artificial joints may help reduce pain, restore joint motion, improve joint alignment and overall hand function.
Thumb Arthroplasty
Severe, painful arthritis of the base of the thumb may be treated with removal of deformed bone and suspension of the thumb bones with a strong “fiberwire.” This relieves pain while retaining thumb motion.
RECOVERING FROM HAND AND WRIST PROCEDURES:
After hand and wrist procedures, you can expect pain-free functions of your hands and wrists. How soon you can return to work and everyday activities depends on the type of work you do and what type of procedure you had. Oftentimes, a protective brace will be worn for a period of time determined by your doctor, occupational therapist or rheumatologist. Generally, patients return to normal functionality after six weeks of recovery.
The Hand Surgeons at the Hand Specialty Center are experts in treating painful hand and wrist degenerative joints.