Are you someone who feels constant pain in your thumb? Do you struggle to do everyday things like gripping objects or even writing because of thumb arthritis, also known as rhizarthrosis? If so, you’re not alone, and there’s hope for relief. A scientific study looked into a surgery called first carpometacarpal arthroplasty and its ability to reduce pain, restore thumb function, and improve quality of life.
This is what the study found:
- Surgery significantly improved thumb movement and reduced pain.
- The procedure showed a high implant survival rate after one year and three years.
- Both types of implants used in the study had similar outcomes in reducing pain and improving function.
Now, let’s explore these findings together. Below, we’ve broken things down step by step.
What is the implant survival rate after surgery?
One of the big questions with any joint replacement surgery is how long the implant will last. In this study, 35 patients underwent first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty between 2020 and March 2024.
Here’s what the surgeons found:
| Time Since Surgery | Implant Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | 97% |
| 3 Years | 86% |
It’s encouraging to see such a high survival rate early on! You may be wondering why this matters. A high survival rate means fewer complications or failures over time, leading to better long-term outcomes. This is key for patients who want a dependable solution for thumb pain.
Does it help with thumb movement?
If you’re dealing with thumb arthritis, losing movement in your thumb may be one of the hardest parts. The study found that after surgery, patients had a noticeable improvement in how far they could move their thumbs.
How do we know it works?
The researchers measured thumb movement using something called the Kapandji score. This score tells how well the thumb can move to different positions, from touching the fingers to completing tasks.
After having this surgery, patients could do many things that they struggled with before, like grabbing objects or making a fist. This is a big step toward getting your normal life back!
Will it reduce pain?
No one likes living with pain. If thumb arthritis is keeping you awake at night or distracting you during the day, you’ll be happy to know the surgery showed amazing results for pain relief.
How do we measure pain?
The study used something called the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients mark how much pain they feel on a scale from 0 to 10. After the surgery, their pain scores dropped significantly! This means less discomfort and a chance to enjoy life a bit more.
What about complications?
In any type of surgery, there’s a possibility of complications. In this study, there was one complication during the surgery and two afterward. On the bright side, these were rare, which supports the safety of the procedure overall. You may be wondering, “Should I worry about complications?” It’s always best to talk with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits—and see if this is a good option for you.
FAQ
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis in the thumb joint. It can cause pain, stiffness, and problems doing everyday tasks like opening jars.
How does this surgery work?
The procedure replaces the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint with an implant to restore movement and reduce pain.
What are my options if I have thumb pain?
If rest and medications aren’t helping, your doctor may suggest physical therapy or surgery like first CMC arthroplasty.
Are there different types of implants?
Yes, the study looked at “standard” implants and “dual mobility” implants, and both provided similar results in terms of improving movement and reducing pain.
Conclusion
The research shows that first carpometacarpal arthroplasty is effective for easing thumb pain caused by rhizarthrosis. It also improves how well your thumb moves, allowing you to regain your grip and carry out daily activities. Although there were a few complications, the high survival rate of the implants offers hope for long-term benefits. Could this be your solution for thumb arthritis? Talk to your doctor to explore what’s right for you!
This website exists to help people like you find answers to thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We simplify complex medical studies based on published science. If you’re curious, feel free to check out more of our helpful articles!
Disclaimer
This article is based on a published study and is written for educational purposes. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or treatment choices for your medical condition.
Study Citation
Brancik, P.; Apostolopoulos, V.; Nachtnebl, L.; Rapi, J.; Liskay, J.; Emmer, J.; Tomas, T., 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39610574