If you have pain at the base of your thumb, you may have a condition called rhizarthrosis. This is a type of arthritis that affects the joint where your thumb connects to your wrist. It is very common. In fact, about 1 in 10 people will get it. You are not alone.
In this article, we look at a treatment that uses a small spacer made from a special material called pyrocarbon. Doctors remove the damaged bone and put this spacer in its place. The hope is that it will reduce pain and help you use your thumb again.
Here are three important things this study found:
- Most patients got good or very good results after surgery.
- A small number of spacers moved out of place after the operation.
- The spacer is expensive, so doctors are still learning if it is the best choice.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Research shows that 83.2% of patients achieved good or very good results after thumb spacer surgery.
- According to this study, about 8.6% of spacers dislocated, meaning they moved out of place after surgery.
- The average follow up time was 23.6 months after the operation.
- Out of 60 patients examined, 19 had a very good outcome and 31 had a good outcome.
- Studies indicate that the high cost and dislocation rate are concerns that need more research.
In This Article
- What Is Rhizarthrosis and Why Does It Hurt?
- What Did This Study Do?
- What Is a Pyrocarbon Spacer?
- How Did Patients Do After Surgery?
- What Problems Happened?
- What Does This Mean for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- Disclaimer
- Article Citation
What Is Rhizarthrosis and Why Does It Hurt?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis at the base of your thumb. The joint where your thumb meets your wrist is called the trapeziometacarpal joint. That is a big word, so we can call it the CMC joint for short. This joint helps you pinch, grip, and hold things.
When this happens, simple tasks like opening a jar or turning a key can become very painful. Many people try medicine, splints, and hand therapy first. But when those do not work, surgery may help.
What Did This Study Do?
Doctors in this study wanted to try a new way to fix the problem. They used a spacer made from pyrocarbon to replace a small bone at the base of the thumb. This bone is called the trapezium.
Between January 2005 and April 2010, 70 patients had this surgery. The doctors took out the damaged trapezium bone. Then they put the pyrocarbon spacer in its place. This is called trapeziectomy with interposition. Trapeziectomy means removing the trapezium bone. Interposition means putting something in between the bones.
You may be wondering why this matters. The spacer is supposed to keep the thumb bones from rubbing together. It also helps the thumb stay in the right position so you can move it and use it without pain.
The doctors checked on 60 of these patients after surgery. The average time after the operation was about 23.6 months. That is almost two years. Some patients were checked at 5 months. Others were checked at 64 months.
What Is a Pyrocarbon Spacer?
Pyrocarbon is a special material. It is very strong and smooth. It is also similar to the natural cartilage in your joints. Doctors use it to make small implants that replace damaged parts of joints.
The spacer is small. It fits in the space where the trapezium bone used to be. It acts like a cushion between the bones. This helps reduce pain and lets you move your thumb more easily.
Here is where it gets interesting. Because pyrocarbon is so smooth, it may cause less wear on the joint over time. But it is also expensive. And doctors are still learning if it works better than other treatments.
How Did Patients Do After Surgery?
The doctors used a special scale to measure how well patients did. This scale is called the Buck Gramcko assessment scale. It looks at pain, movement, strength, and how well you can use your hand.
According to this study, the results were encouraging. Here is what they found:
| Outcome | Number of Patients | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Very Good | 19 | 31.6% |
| Good | 31 | 51.6% |
| Satisfactory | 6 | 10% |
| Poor | 4 | 6.6% |
Research shows that 83.2% of patients had good or very good results. That means most people felt much better after surgery. They had less pain. They could move their thumb more easily. And they could do more things with their hands.
Let us look closer. A very good result means you have almost no pain. You can do most activities without trouble. A good result means you still have some pain, but it is much better than before. You can do most things you need to do.
A satisfactory result means you are better, but you still have some trouble. And a poor result means the surgery did not help much. Thankfully, only a small number of patients had satisfactory or poor results.
What Problems Happened?
No surgery is perfect. Sometimes things go wrong. In this study, the biggest problem was dislocation. That means the spacer moved out of place.
Studies indicate that 6 out of 70 spacers dislocated. That is about 8.6%. When this happens, patients need another surgery to fix it. This is not common, but it is something to think about.
The doctors also mentioned that the spacer is expensive. They are not sure yet if the benefits are worth the cost. Other treatments, like suspension arthroplasty, also work well. Suspension arthroplasty is a different surgery. It uses a piece of your own tendon to hold the thumb bones in place. It does not use an implant.
The doctors say that more time is needed. These results are short term. That means they only followed patients for a few years. Long term results will show if the spacer keeps working well over many years.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you have thumb arthritis and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option. This study shows that a pyrocarbon spacer can work well for many people. Most patients feel better and can use their hands more easily.
But there are some things to think about. The spacer can move out of place. It is also expensive. And doctors are still learning if it is better than other surgeries.
Talk to your doctor. Ask about all your options. Every person is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Your doctor can help you decide what is best for you.
About This Site
This site simplifies medical science for people with thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We use only published scientific articles to explain what research shows. Our goal is to help you understand your options and make informed choices. We invite you to explore more content and learn about the latest studies on thumb arthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pyrocarbon spacer for thumb arthritis?
A pyrocarbon spacer is a small implant made from a special smooth material. Doctors use it to replace the damaged bone at the base of your thumb. It acts like a cushion between the bones. This helps reduce pain and improve movement.
How long does recovery take after this surgery?
This study followed patients for an average of 23.6 months. Recovery time can vary. You may need to wear a splint for a few weeks. Then you will start hand therapy. Most people see improvement within a few months.
What are the risks of using a pyrocarbon spacer?
According to this study, about 8.6% of spacers moved out of place. This is called dislocation. If this happens, you may need another surgery. Other risks include infection, stiffness, or continued pain. Talk to your doctor about all the risks.
Is this surgery better than other treatments?
Research shows that 83.2% of patients had good or very good results. But other surgeries, like suspension arthroplasty, also work well. Doctors are still learning which treatment is best. Your doctor can help you decide based on your needs.
Conclusion
Thumb arthritis can make everyday tasks difficult and painful. This study shows that a pyrocarbon spacer can help many people feel better. Most patients had good or very good results. They had less pain and could use their hands more easily.
But this treatment is not perfect. Some spacers moved out of place. And the implant is expensive. Doctors need more time to see if the results last for many years.
If you are struggling with thumb pain, talk to your doctor. Ask about all your options. Learn about the risks and benefits. Together, you can find the treatment that is right for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options. Do not make decisions about your health based on this article alone.
Article Citation
Szalay, G., Meyer, C., Scheufens, T., Schnettler, R., Christ, R., & Schleicher, I. (2013). Pyrocarbon spacer as a trapezium replacement for arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint; a follow-up study of 60 cases. Acta Orthopaedica Belgica.