If you have thumb pain from rhizarthrosis (arthritis at the base of the thumb), you may think about surgery. One option is trapeziectomy. What is it and does it work?
Here is what the study says:
- Trapeziectomy can be a successful surgery for thumb arthritis.
- In this study most people kept their thumb strength, even though people worry about losing strength after the surgery.
- Careful surgery and good healing time are important for good results.
Let’s break it down.
In this article:
What is trapeziectomy?
You may not know trapeziectomy. Let’s break it down. The trapezium is a small bone in your wrist at the base of your thumb. In some people arthritis can damage this bone. Arthritis is when joints swell and hurt, and it can make it hard to grip or move your thumb.
Trapeziectomy is a surgery to remove this worn bone to help reduce pain. Sounds simple, right? But you may wonder, will my thumb be weaker if the bone is removed? Keep reading.
What did the study find?
Here is what the study found. The study looked at 25 people who had trapeziectomy for thumb arthritis. The researchers found that most patients were happy with the results.
Even though some worry that removing the trapezium bone might make the thumb weaker, this study did not show a big loss of strength in most patients. Instead, their thumbs stayed strong!
Why does recovery matter?
This part is very important. The study says how you heal after surgery makes a big difference. They think that fixing the capsule carefully during surgery helps keep the thumb stable. What is the capsule? It is the protective covering around the joint that helps hold it in place.
After surgery, keeping the hand still for a long time helps the thumb stay stable. Usually you will need a special splint or brace to help your thumb heal correctly and stay in the right place.
So following your doctor’s advice about recovery time can make a big difference in your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis at the thumb joint. It causes pain and stiffness. It happens when the cartilage that protects the joint wears out.
How long will I need to rest after a trapeziectomy?
Usually doctors recommend immobilizing your thumb for a while. Ask your doctor about the exact timeline. It is very important for your recovery.
Will I lose strength in my thumb?
You may worry about that, but this study shows that most people do not lose much strength after trapeziectomy.
How do I know if trapeziectomy is right for me?
Always talk to your doctor about your options. They can help you decide if surgery is the best choice for your thumb pain.
What should you do now?
This study shows good results and the importance of good recovery care after a trapeziectomy. If thumb arthritis makes your daily activities painful, learning about your surgical options could be a helpful next step.
Here on this site, we give you easy-to-understand information about thumb pain using reliable scientific studies. Look at more of our content to find helpful answers to your questions.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Please talk to your healthcare provider for advice that fits you.
Study citation
Van Innis, F.; Thys, R.; Lebrun, A.; Hollaert, G.; Detournay, M. (1983). Trapeziectomy in rhizarthrosis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9382654