If you experience thumb pain or have been diagnosed with rhizarthrosis (arthritis at the base of the thumb), you probably want to know what treatments could truly help. One study looked at two surgical options for managing thumb arthritis: trapeziometacarpal prostheses (TMP) versus trapeziectomy with ligamentoplasty (TL). It explored which of these surgeries might offer better support for your thumb and improve your grip strength.
Here are the key takeaways:
- A trapeziometacarpal prosthesis improves thumb stability and strength, especially for cases with extreme hyperextension at the thumb joint.
- When the thumb remains unstable even after surgery, grip strength is weaker.
Let’s explore this study step by step.
Why does MCP hyperextension matter?
You might be wondering—why is MCP hyperextension such a big deal? MCP stands for the metacarpophalangeal joint, which connects your thumb to your hand. When the joint bends backward too much, it can make your hand less stable. This instability can make it hard for you to grip or pinch objects properly, something that’s especially challenging if you already have thumb arthritis.
Doctors found that MCP hyperextension often makes thumb pain worse, especially when the thumb becomes shorter due to the effects of arthritis or surgery. This shortening might even impact how well your thumb and hand work.
Can a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis help your thumb?
Here’s where it gets interesting. The study compared two surgical treatments for thumb arthritis:
- Trapeziometacarpal Prosthesis (TMP): This replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant.
- Trapeziectomy with Ligamentoplasty (TL): This removes the damaged joint and stabilizes the area using ligaments.
Researchers learned that the prosthesis does a better job of stabilizing the MCP joint, especially for people whose pre-surgery hyperextension was greater than 30 degrees. It also improved pinch strength—the ability to pick things up between your thumb and fingers.
The data showed that prostheses restored thumb height better, which is likely why they help stabilize the joint.
How do thumb height and grip strength really impact you?
Thumb height might sound like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how your thumb works. When the thumb becomes shorter during surgery, the MCP joint becomes less stable. This is linked directly to lower grip and pinch strength. For people who depend on strong hands for things like carrying groceries or opening jars, weak pinch strength can make everyday tasks frustrating.
The study also found that patients who still had issues with MCP hyperextension after surgery—whether they had a prosthesis or ligamentoplasty—had lower thumb height and reduced strength overall.
If preserving your thumb height and stability is important to you, the study suggests that a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis might be the better option of the two. But every person’s situation is unique, and you should always discuss these options with your doctor.
FAQ
Is rhizarthrosis the same as thumb arthritis?
Yes. Rhizarthrosis is another name for thumb arthritis, which happens when the cartilage in the trapeziometacarpal joint wears down.
What is MCP hyperextension?
MCP hyperextension is when the base joint of your thumb bends backward too much, often leading to instability and pain.
What does a prosthesis do differently?
A trapeziometacarpal prosthesis replaces the damaged joint and may help stabilize the thumb better than removing the joint entirely.
Can this surgery make my thumb longer?
Yes! According to the study, the prosthesis restored thumb height, which contributed to better stability and functional outcomes.
Conclusion
This study shows that choosing the right surgical treatment for thumb arthritis can make a big difference in your recovery. A trapeziometacarpal prosthesis appears to be better at improving thumb stability and pinch strength compared to a trapeziectomy with ligamentoplasty. It helps restore thumb length, which is critical for grip strength and stability. However, other factors may also play a role, so it’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find what works best for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss treatment options that suit your specific needs.
Citation
Degeorge, B.; Dagneaux, L.; Andrin, J.; Lazerges, C.; Coulet, B.; Chammas, M. (2018). Do trapeziometacarpal prosthesis provide better metacarpophalangeal stability than trapeziectomy and ligamentoplasty?