Thumb pain can make even simple things like opening a jar or writing feel like a challenge. If you’ve been diagnosed with rhizarthrosis or thumb arthritis, you might be wondering: What’s the best way to treat it? And do you need surgery, especially if your thumb joint stretches backward?
A recent study helps provide some answers. Here are three key points it reveals:
- Thumb arthritis is common and gets worse with age.
- Hyperextension of the thumb joint doesn’t always need surgical correction.
- A specific surgery called modified Burton-Pellegrini’s trapeziectomy shows good results.
In this article:
- What is rhizarthrosis?
- Why does the thumb joint bend backward?
- What did the study find?
- Does surgery for joint hyperextension help?
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is another term for osteoarthritis affecting the joint at the base of the thumb, where your thumb meets your wrist. It’s also called trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Over time, wear and tear can break down the cartilage in this area, leading to pain and stiffness.
Thumb arthritis affects about 10% of people with arthritis, and it becomes more common as we age, especially in women.
Why does the thumb joint bend backward?
You might notice that the joint closer to the tip of your thumb—the MCP joint—bends backward, or hyperextends. Here’s why:
- As thumb arthritis worsens, the trapeziometacarpal joint begins to shift out of place.
- This shift puts extra pressure on your MCP joint, causing it to stretch backward.
- In most cases, this backward bend is mild.
You may be wondering why this matters. When the MCP joint hyperextends too much, it could make your thumb weaker or harder to use. But is surgery always needed? Let’s look closer.
What did the study find?
A study looked at 32 patients with severe thumb arthritis who had a surgery called modified Burton-Pellegrini’s trapeziectomy. In this surgery, the affected trapezium bone in the thumb is removed, helping to relieve pain and improve function.
Now, here is where it gets interesting. These patients did not have additional surgery to fix any backward bending of the MCP joint. Researchers measured their thumb function and pain levels after surgery. Here’s what they found:
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Pain relief (VAS score reduction) | 77% |
| DASH score (mean) | 19 |
| PRWHE score (mean) | 21.8 |
Most patients had mild hyperextension—less than 15 degrees—and it didn’t seem to cause problems. Key-pinch and grip strength tests showed similar results to the unaffected hand.
Does surgery for joint hyperextension help?
The researchers concluded that surgery for MCP joint hyperextension isn’t needed if the bending is less than 15 degrees. Addressing the trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis alone gave patients significant pain relief and thumb function improvement.
This means if your thumb bends backward slightly but doesn’t bother you much, extra surgery may not be necessary. It’s always best to talk to your doctor about what option is right for you.
FAQ
Can thumb arthritis get better without surgery?
Yes, many mild cases can improve with rest, splints, or exercises. Surgery is usually for severe cases.
What happens during a trapeziectomy?
The surgeon removes a damaged bone at the base of the thumb to reduce pain and improve movement.
How do I know if my thumb joint hyperextension needs surgery?
If bending backward is less than 15 degrees and it doesn’t affect your ability to use your hand, surgery isn’t usually necessary.
Does thumb arthritis get worse over time?
Unfortunately, it can, but treatments like therapy, splints, or surgery can help manage symptoms.
Conclusion
Thumb arthritis can be painful, but research shows there are effective surgeries that can help. If you’re dealing with mild hyperextension of the thumb joint, you may not need extra surgery for that. Always ask your doctor what’s best for your individual needs.
If you want to learn more about thumb arthritis or explore treatments, dive into this website. We simplify scientific studies to help you understand your options.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Study Reference
Pogliacomi, F.; Oldani, D.; Schiavi, P.; Pedrazzini, A.; Ferrari, A.; Leigheb, M.; Pedrini, M. F.; Vaienti, E.; Ceccarelli, F.; Calderazzi, F. (2022). Metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension in rhizartrosis: is surgical correction necessary? Retrieved at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35604247.