How long does it take to recover from basal thumb surgery?
How long does it take to recover from basal thumb surgery?
Once the cast is removed, physical therapy may be recommended to help regain hand strength and a full range of movement. A complete recovery from basal joint surgery may take up to six months.
Is basal joint surgery painful?
Because of the smaller incisions, there is only mild surgical pain, and many patients only require oral pain medicine for the first few days after surgery. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, stability of the thumb base is maintained and additional incisions for using your own tendon are not needed.
What is MCP pain?
What is metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) arthritis? It is arthritis of the knuckles, usually the knuckles of the thumb and index finger. The metacarpal bones are the bones of the hand. The finger bones are called phalanges. The MCP joint is the knuckle where the finger bone meets the hand bone.
How long does pain last after thumb surgery?
Most patients have minimal pain by 3 months after surgery. Your symptoms will continue to improve with improvements in ability to do more activities every 3 months. Patient usually have good strength and motion at 6 months, and continue to improve for up to 1 year after surgery.
How long do you wear a cast after thumb surgery?
You will likely be in a cast for 2-4 weeks. You will also use either a removable orthosis a hand therapist will custom make for you or an off-the-shelf thumb and wrist splint for a month after the cast has been removed.
Can I drive after thumb surgery?
Once you are no longer taking the medicine, you may drive as soon as you can comfortably grip the steering wheel with both hands. It is generally best to avoid long drives until the initial dressing and plaster splint is removed. Right after surgery, you may begin gentle finger exercises.
Is thumb arthritis a disability?
Many people may wonder is arthritis a disability. Yes. Arthritis can prompt incapacity, as can numerous other mental and physical conditions. If your arthritis confines your daily movements, or activities you may qualify for disability benefits.
What can I expect after thumb arthritis surgery?
Three to 4 weeks after the procedure, the cast is removed and active range-of-motion therapy begins. Strengthening begins around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The majority of patients return to most activities by 3 months after surgery. Full recovery of normal activities may require up to 6 months.
How successful is basal joint surgery?
Results. A very common procedure with long-lasting results, basal joint surgery removes the arthritis and is very effective in eliminating the pain. After the reconstruction, patients are again able to do many of the activities that they were unable to do because of the arthritis.
How do you treat MCP pain?
How is Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) Joint Arthritis Treated?
- Activity modification or hand therapy.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (oral or steroid injections)
- Cortisone injections (if medication fails)
- Simple splinting or flexible strapping.
- Topical skin creams.
What is thumb MCP?
The metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP joint), or knuckle, is where the finger bones meet the hand bones. At the MCP joint, the fingers can move in multiple directions. They can bend, straighten, spread apart and move together.
What is the best surgery for thumb arthritis?
Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI) In use for more than 40 years, LRTI is the most commonly performed surgery for thumb arthritis. The arthritic joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated.
What are the different types of thumb surgery?
Surgery for Thumb Arthritis Experts explain five surgical treatment options for thumb arthritis. Ligament Reconstruction Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI) Hematoma and Distraction Arthroplasty Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty) Fusion ( Arthrodesis )
What is thumb joint replacement surgery?
Thumb joint replacement: Thumb joint replacement is surgery to replace worn out thumb cartilage and bones with man-made metal, ceramic, and plastic parts. Diseases And Conditions Treated: Thumb joint replacement. These diseases and conditions may be treated with the surgical procedure Thumb joint replacement:
What is thumb fusion surgery?
Thumb fusion: Thumb fusion is permanently joining the bones that comprise the thumb joint with screws, essentially locking the thumb in place to eliminate pain.