Rhizarthrosis is thumb arthritis at the base of the thumb. It can cause pain and stiffness and make everyday tasks hard, like opening jars or gripping. For bad cases, surgery can help. This study compared two surgeries for the most advanced thumb arthritis and found promising results. Here is what they found.
In this article:
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis, or thumb carpometacarpal arthritis, is when the joint at the base of the thumb wears down. This causes pain, stiffness, and trouble using the thumb for everyday tasks. For bad cases, people may need surgery to ease pain and improve function. This study looked at two surgeries for the most advanced thumb arthritis.
What two surgeries were compared?
You may ask, what are my options? The study compared two procedures:
- The Ceruso procedure: remove the damaged bone at the base of the thumb (trapeziectomy) and use a tendon from the abductor pollicis longus muscle as padding (a cushion).
- The Altissimi procedure: also remove the bone (trapeziectomy), but use the flexor carpi radialis tendon to suspend the thumb joint without adding a tendon cushion.
Both surgeries aim to reduce pain and help you use your thumb more easily.
What were the results and which option may be better?
52 patients were followed. 26 had the Ceruso procedure and 26 had the Altissimi procedure. Both worked well to treat advanced thumb arthritis, but there were differences.
Here is what they found:
- Altissimi (without tendon cushion) had higher satisfaction with the surgery overall.
- They had better movement in the thumb, called ROM (range of motion).
- The Altissimi procedure also took less time to do, about 6 minutes less on average.
Both surgeries worked well, and where the bones sit after surgery did not change the final results.
Why does surgical time matter? Shorter surgeries mean less time under anesthesia and possibly faster recovery.
How do they compare in numbers?
| Procedure | Key Finding | Surgical Time Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ceruso | Effective, but patients reported less satisfaction | About 6 minutes longer |
| Altissimi | Higher satisfaction and better thumb movement (ROM) | Shorter surgical time |
What does this mean for you? If you are thinking about surgery, Altissimi might give faster recovery and more comfort, but both options can help with thumb pain and arthritis.
FAQ about rhizarthrosis and surgery
What is trapeziectomy?
This is a surgery where the damaged bone at the base of your thumb is removed to stop pain and improve movement.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time varies, but most people can expect improvement over several months after surgery.
Will I need physical therapy?
Yes, physical therapy can help your thumb regain strength and motion after surgery.
Does age matter?
Thumb arthritis can happen to anyone, but severe cases are more common as you get older.
What should you do next?
This study shows both surgeries can ease thumb pain from advanced rhizarthrosis. If you are thinking about surgery, talk with your doctor to choose what might work best. Ask questions and think about therapy after surgery to help your recovery.
We write easy explanations of medical science for conditions like rhizarthrosis and use research to guide you. Look for more articles to learn about other treatments and tips for managing thumb arthritis.
Disclaimer: Read this first
This article is not medical advice. Always speak to a qualified medical professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Study citation
Fidanza, A.; Rovere, G.; Colafarina, O.; Chiarolanza, F.; Fulchignoni, C.; Smakaj, A.; Liuzza, F.; Farsetti, P.; Logroscino, G. (2024). Tenoplasty in suspension with or without tendon interposition: A prospective randomized study in the treatment of advanced thumb carpometacarpal arthritis.