Basal Thumb Joint Arthritis

The osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint is most common in women over the age of 40 years. It is characterized by movement-dependent pain of the thumb, which can be so strong that the hand becomes unusable in everyday life.

Duration of treatment

Approx. 1,5 hours

Stay

2 days

regeneration

4-6 weeks

Surgery for Basal Thumb Joint Arthritis

The operation is performed in regional anesthesia of the arm or in general anesthesia. Through an incision over the thumb saddle joint the affected bone is visualized (the trapezium), and removed. The first metacarpal is then stabilized with a tendon suture.

After the operation

Usually, a hospital stay of about 2 days is advisable. On the second day the drainage tube is removed. The thumb is immobilized for 4 weeks in a thumb cast, the fingers are left free and can be used. For the duration of the immobilisation the hand should be spared of strenuous activity and elevated. After 4 weeks the hand can be mobilized and physiotherapy can commence.