Thumb pain can make everyday tasks difficult and frustrating. If you’ve been diagnosed with rhizarthrosis, which is arthritis at the base of your thumb, you might wonder about treatment options. A recent medical study explored an operative solution using a surgery called trapezectomy, combined with a device known as the Mini TightRope®. Here’s what the researchers found:
- 74.2% of patients treated with the Mini TightRope® after trapezectomy experienced good or very good results.
- Some patients had issues, including two who required removal of the implant due to pain.
- The study suggests this procedure is effective for most patients but raises questions about its cost and certain risks.
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is a type of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of your thumb. It can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing tasks like gripping or pinching. Many people with rhizarthrosis struggle with simple movements they once took for granted, like opening jars or writing.
How does the Mini TightRope® work?
You may be wondering, how does this device help? Let’s look closer.
The Mini TightRope® is a small implant made to support your thumb joint after trapezectomy surgery. A trapezectomy involves removing a small bone called the trapezium, located at the base of your thumb. Without this bone, the thumb loses its anchor to the rest of the hand. That’s where the Mini TightRope® comes in. It helps hold the thumb steady by suspending the first metacarpal bone in place.
What did the study find?
Here is where it gets interesting. The researchers worked with 31 patients, most of whom were women, with an average age of almost 58 years old. After undergoing trapezectomy and having the Mini TightRope® implanted:
- 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 tracked changes in the distance between two bones in the thumb – the scaphoid and first metacarpal. Initially, this distance averaged 11.1 millimeters after surgery, but it reduced to around 5.3 millimeters over time. This reduction indicates some degree of thumb joint movement or instability despite the Mini TightRope®.
What about the cost?
You might be curious about how much this treatment costs. The Mini TightRope® itself costs around 225 Euros. While the device has shown benefits for many, some patients may find that price worth discussing with their doctor.
Key Takeaways
From this study, we can see that the Mini TightRope® is effective for many people but isn’t perfect for everyone. If you’re thinking about surgery for rhizarthrosis, it’s a good idea to weigh the possible benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.
FAQ
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis in the thumb’s base 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.
Conclusion
If you live with painful thumb arthritis, this study offers hope that the Mini TightRope® can bring relief. However, its effectiveness varies from person to person, and there are costs and risks involved. Your best next step is to speak with a healthcare professional about what’s best for your thumb.
This site is here to simplify medical science for people with thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We base our posts only on published studies, explained in simple English. Explore our other articles to learn more about your condition and solutions.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on scientific research and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace advice from a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for personal guidance.
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®