If you have thumb pain that does not go away, you may have heard about a condition called rhizarthrosis. This is a type of arthritis that happens at the base of your thumb. It can make it hard to grip things, move your thumb, and it often causes pain that gets worse over time.
Researchers recently studied a surgery that replaces the damaged thumb joint with a small artificial part. They wanted to know if this surgery helps people feel better and move their thumbs more easily. This study followed 35 people who had this surgery between 2020 and early 2024.
Here are three key things the researchers found:
- Most people had much less pain after the surgery.
- People could move their thumbs better than before.
- Two different types of implants worked equally well.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Research shows that 97 out of 100 implants were still working well one year after surgery.
- According to this study, 86 out of 100 implants were still working well three years after surgery.
- Pain levels improved significantly after the surgery.
- Range of motion, which means how far your thumb can move, got much better.
- Both the standard implant and the dual mobility implant showed similar results.
In this article:
- What is rhizarthrosis and why does it hurt?
- What did the study look at?
- How well did the implants work over time?
- Did people feel less pain and move better?
- Did one type of implant work better than the other?
- Were there any problems with the surgery?
- Common questions
- What does this mean for you?
- Disclaimer
- Study reference
What is rhizarthrosis and why does it hurt?
Rhizarthrosis happens when the cushion between the bones in your thumb joint wears away. When this happens, the bones can rub together. This rubbing causes pain and swelling. Over time, your thumb may not move as easily. You may also lose grip strength.
You may be wondering why this matters. This condition does not get better on its own. Without treatment, the pain and stiffness can get worse. That is why some people need surgery to fix the problem.
What did the study look at?
The researchers wanted to see if replacing the damaged thumb joint with an artificial part would help people. They looked at 35 surgeries performed at one hospital. The surgeries happened between 2020 and the end of March 2024.
The doctors used two different types of implants. One type is called a standard implant. The other type is called a dual mobility implant. Dual mobility means the implant can move in two ways, which some doctors think might help the thumb move more naturally.
Here is where it gets interesting. The researchers measured several things before and after surgery. They checked how much pain people felt. They checked how well people could use their arm and hand for daily tasks. They also checked how far the thumb could move.
What tools did the researchers use?
According to this study, the researchers used three different scoring systems:
- VAS score: This stands for visual analogue scale. It is a simple way to measure pain. People point to a spot on a line to show how much pain they feel.
- DASH score: This stands for Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand. It is a questionnaire that asks people how hard it is to do everyday tasks like brushing teeth, cooking, or carrying things.
- Kapandji score: This measures how well your thumb can move and touch different parts of your hand and fingers.
How well did the implants work over time?
Research shows that most implants kept working well after surgery. The researchers measured what they call implant survival. This means checking if the implant is still in place and working properly.
Let us look closer at the numbers. One year after surgery, 97 out of 100 implants were still working. Three years after surgery, 86 out of 100 implants were still working. These numbers tell us that the surgery is quite reliable for most people.
| Time After Surgery | Implants Still Working |
|---|---|
| One year | 97 out of 100 |
| Three years | 86 out of 100 |
These results are encouraging. They show that for most people, the surgery provides long lasting relief.
Did people feel less pain and move better?
Yes. According to this study, people had much less pain after surgery. The VAS score, which measures pain, improved significantly. Significantly means the change was big enough to really matter in everyday life.
People also reported that daily tasks became easier. The DASH score improved after surgery. This means people could do things like hold a cup, write, or button a shirt more easily than before.
Range of motion also got better. Range of motion means how far your thumb can move in different directions. After surgery, people could move their thumbs more freely. The Kapandji score, which measures thumb movement, showed significant improvement.
You may be wondering why this matters. When your thumb can move better and hurts less, you can do more of the things you enjoy. Simple tasks that once caused pain become possible again.
Did one type of implant work better than the other?
This is an important question. The researchers compared the standard implant and the dual mobility implant. They wanted to know if one type gave better results.
Research shows that both types of implants worked equally well. There was no significant difference between them. People who got the standard implant had similar DASH scores and Kapandji scores to people who got the dual mobility implant.
This finding is helpful for doctors and patients. It means that both options are good choices. Your doctor can help you decide which type is best for your specific situation.
Were there any problems with the surgery?
Every surgery carries some risk. The researchers were careful to watch for complications. A complication means something that goes wrong during or after surgery.
In this study, the researchers observed three complications. One complication happened during the surgery. Two complications happened after the surgery. The study does not give details about what these complications were, but it is important to know that they were rare.
Out of 35 surgeries, only three had complications. That means most people did not have any problems. This shows that the surgery is generally safe.
About this site
This site helps people understand medical research about thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We take scientific articles published by doctors and researchers and explain them in simple language. Every fact you read here comes from a real published study. We do not make up information or give personal opinions. Our goal is to help you understand what science says about treating thumb arthritis. Feel free to explore more articles to learn about other treatments, symptoms, and research findings.
Common questions
How long does it take to recover from thumb joint replacement surgery?
The study does not give specific recovery times. However, the researchers measured results at one year and three years after surgery. This suggests that people need time to heal and regain full function. Your doctor can give you a more specific timeline based on your situation.
Will I be able to use my hand normally after surgery?
According to this study, most people can do daily tasks more easily after surgery. The DASH score, which measures how well you can use your arm and hand, improved after surgery. This means tasks like cooking, writing, and dressing became easier for most people.
Is thumb joint replacement the only option for rhizarthrosis?
The study mentions that surgery is the only definitive solution that spares the joint. However, this does not mean it is the only treatment option. Many people try other treatments first, such as medicine, therapy, or splints. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Are both types of implants equally good?
Research shows that there is no significant difference in outcomes between the standard implant and the dual mobility implant. Both types gave similar results in terms of pain relief, daily function, and thumb movement. Your surgeon can help you choose which type is best for your needs.
What does this mean for you?
If you have thumb pain from rhizarthrosis, this research brings good news. Thumb joint replacement surgery can help reduce pain and improve movement. Most people who have this surgery feel better and can use their hands more easily.
The study shows that the surgery is reliable. Most implants keep working well for years. Both types of implants work equally well. Complications are rare.
Of course, every person is different. What works for one person may not be right for another. If you are thinking about surgery, talk with your doctor. They can look at your specific situation and help you decide what is best for you.
Remember that this surgery is just one option. There are other treatments available too. The important thing is to find a treatment that helps you feel better and do the things you love.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. It does not replace talking with your doctor. Every person is different. What works for one person may not work for another. If you have thumb pain or think you might have rhizarthrosis, please see a qualified healthcare provider. They can examine you, make a proper diagnosis, and recommend treatment options that are right for you.
Study reference
This article is based on research by Brancik, P.; Apostolopoulos, V.; Nachtnebl, L.; Rapi, J.; Liskay, J.; Emmer, J.; Tomas, T. (2024).
Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72517
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