Why is this procedure done?
Thumb arthroplasty is a surgery that is done to help with the signs of arthritis in your thumb. The ends of our bones are covered with a protective coating called cartilage. The cartilage helps the bones glide smoothly with movement. Over time, the cartilage may wear away and then the bones rub on each other. This causes pain and swelling. ‚
Most people who need a thumb arthroplasty have pain at the place where the thumb meets the wrist. This is the fleshy part of your hand. You may have more pain when doing activities like trying to pinch something, or open a door or jar. You may also have less strength in your hand. Some causes of this problem are diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, injury, or overusing the thumb. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your doctor will talk to you about different ways to lower the pain in your thumb. Sometimes the doctor will suggest fusing the joint so there is no more movement. Other options are taking out a small bone in your wrist and placing a tendon to act as a cushion when you move your thumb. Your doctor may suggest putting in a new thumb joint. Talk to your doctor about the best choice for you. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. Sometimes, the doctor will also give you a special drug to make your arm numb for the surgery.
- Your doctor will make small cut on your hand near the base of your thumb. Your doctor will work on your thumb joint. You may also have a small cut on your lower arm if your doctor is using a tendon as a cushion for the thumb joint. Sometimes the doctor will use small screws or a pin to keep the tendon from moving. You may have a pin in your thumb for a short time.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples. Your thumb, hand, and lower arm will be placed in a bulky bandage to keep you from moving your thumb.
- The surgery may take 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room or Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain.
- You may not have any feeling in your arm and hand after surgery if the doctor made it numb. You may need to use a sling to help keep your arm raised.
- Most often, you can go home after the procedure.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Nerve injury
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Joint stiffness or not able to move your thumb as well as before
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00210 ‚
American Society for Surgery of the Hand ‚
http://handcare.assh.org/Hand-Anatomy/Details-Page/ArticleID/26803/Arthritis-Base-of-the-Thumb.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚