If you’ve been dealing with thumb pain caused by arthritis or rhizarthrosis (another term for arthritis specifically in the base of your thumb), you’ve probably wondered: what is the best long-term solution? A recent study looked at a special kind of thumb joint replacement called the MAIA(R) prosthesis, and the results might surprise you.
Here are the key points:
- The prosthesis showed an 88% survival rate over 12 years.
- Discomfort from pain was rated very low with a median score of 1 out of 10.
In this article
What did the study find?
This study tracked 191 patients who had the MAIA(R) prosthesis placed between 2001 and 2016 to treat thumb arthritis. Arthritis happens when the joints in your body wear down over time, causing pain and stiffness. In the base of the thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint), this can make everyday tasks like gripping or pinching hard.
Of the prostheses working well, 88% were still functional after 12 years. That’s impressive for a joint replacement! People who got this prosthesis also felt less pain, with a median pain score of just 1 out of 10, meaning they were almost pain-free.
How does this implant work?
The MAIA(R) prosthesis is a kind of artificial joint designed to mimic the movement of your thumb’s trapeziometacarpal joint. It replaces the damaged parts of the joint with artificial materials to reduce pain and protect movement.
The study found it was particularly good for long-term use. That means it’s not just a temporary fix—it might keep your thumb moving comfortably for many years.
Are there risks involved?
Of course, no surgery is perfect. About 9% of patients had major complications.
- Dislocations: The prosthesis moved out of place in 5% of cases. This often happened within the first three years after surgery. One common cause of dislocation was having the implant placed incorrectly.
- Loosening: Another 4% of implants became loose over time, which is when the prosthesis stops fitting snugly into the bone.
All cases of dislocation required revision surgery to fix the problem. This shows the importance of choosing a skilled surgeon for this procedure.
Does this mean the risks outweigh the benefits?
Not at all! The majority of patients were satisfied with their outcomes, and the complication rate is relatively low compared to many surgical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis affecting the trapeziometacarpal joint—the base of your thumb. It can make pinching and gripping painful.
How long does a MAIA(R) prosthesis last?
The study showed that 88% of these prostheses lasted for at least 12 years without needing replacement.
Does the surgery hurt?
Like any surgery, it can be uncomfortable at first, but many patients reported very low pain levels long-term.
Should I consider this surgery?
It might be a good option if medications and other treatments haven’t been effective. Talk to a doctor to see if it’s the right choice for you.
What’s the bottom line?
Thumb arthritis can be tough to live with, but this study suggests the MAIA(R) prosthesis could be a great solution. Most people had long-lasting results, low pain, and few complications. If your thumb pain has gotten in the way of your life, it may be worth talking to a doctor about surgical options.
This site is dedicated to making medical science simple for people struggling with thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. Every article is based on published scientific studies, just like this one. Feel free to explore and learn more!
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation.
Study citation
Chiche, L.; Chammas, P. E.; Vial D’Allais, P.; Lazerges, C.; Coulet, B.; Chammas, M. (2023). Long-term survival analysis of 191 MAIA(R) prostheses for trapeziometacarpal arthritis.