Thumb pain can make daily tasks hard. If you have rhizarthrosis, arthritis at the base of the thumb, you may ask about treatments. A study looked at a surgery called trapezectomy with a device called the Mini TightRope®. Here is what the researchers found:
- 74.2% of patients treated with the Mini TightRope® after trapezectomy had good or very good results.
- Some patients had problems, including two who needed the implant removed because of pain.
- The study says this procedure helps most patients but asks about cost and some risks.
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis at the base of the thumb joint. It can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble with tasks like gripping or pinching. Many people have trouble with simple moves like opening jars or writing.
How does the Mini TightRope® work?
You may wonder how this device helps. Here is a closer look.
The Mini TightRope® is a small implant that helps the thumb joint stay stable after trapezectomy surgery. A trapezectomy removes a small bone called the trapezium at the base of the thumb. Without this bone, the thumb loses its anchor to the hand. The Mini TightRope® helps by suspending the first metacarpal bone to keep the thumb steadier.
What did the study find?
Here is what they found. The researchers worked with 31 patients, most were women, with an average age of almost 58 years old. After trapezectomy and Mini TightRope® implantation:
- Most patients (about 74.2%) reported good to excellent results.
- 12.9% of patients had only satisfactory or poor outcomes.
- For two patients, the device caused discomfort and had to be removed.
The researchers also looked at the space between two thumb bones, the scaphoid and the first metacarpal. It was 11.1 millimeters after surgery, then dropped to about 5.3 millimeters over time. This shows some thumb joint movement or instability even with the Mini TightRope®.
What about the cost?
You may want to know the cost. The Mini TightRope® itself costs around 225 Euros. While the device helps many people, some patients may want to discuss the price with their doctor.
What are the key takeaways?
This study shows the Mini TightRope® helps many people but is not perfect for everyone. If you are thinking about surgery for rhizarthrosis, talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks.
Frequently asked questions
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis at the base of the thumb joint. It can cause pain and problems with movement.
Is surgery the only option for thumb arthritis?
No, there are non surgical options like braces, medications, and hand therapy, but surgery may help if symptoms are severe.
Are there risks to using the Mini TightRope®?
Some patients may experience pain or complications requiring removal of the device. It’s important to discuss this with a doctor.
How much does a Mini TightRope® cost?
The device costs about 225 Euros. Keep this in mind when considering your options.
What does this mean for you?
If you have painful thumb arthritis, this study offers hope that the Mini TightRope® can help. But it does not work the same for everyone, and there are costs and risks. The best next step is to talk with a healthcare professional about what is best for your thumb.
This site explains medical science in simple language for people with thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We base our posts only on published studies, explained in plain English. Explore our other articles to learn more about your condition and solutions.
What should I know about this information?
The information here is based on scientific research and is for learning. It does not replace advice from a medical professional. Always talk to your doctor for personal guidance.
What is the research citation?
Szalay, G.; Scheufens, T.; Alt, V.; Boecker, W.; Schnettler, R., 2014. Operative treatment of rhizarthrosis with trapezectomy and suspension of the first metacarpal with a Mini TightRope®