If you’ve been dealing with thumb pain from rhizarthrosis—also known as thumb arthritis—you may be wondering if there’s a surgical solution to help you get back to your favorite activities. The study we’ll talk about today explores a specific procedure called trapeziectomy combined with a pyrocarbon spacer and how it helped one very active person overcome their pain.
Here are three quick things to know from the study:
- Rhizarthrosis is a type of arthritis that affects the base joint of your thumb.
- Trapeziectomy is a surgery where a small bone in your thumb joint is removed and replaced with a spacer.
- A pyrocarbon spacer is a sturdy implant that can handle a lot of movement, like the kind needed for sports.
What is rhizarthrosis?
Let’s start at the beginning. Rhizarthrosis is a medical term for arthritis that affects the base joint of your thumb. This joint is called the carpo-metacarpal joint, and it’s what allows your thumb to move in different directions. When this joint wears out over time, it can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty using your thumb for everyday tasks like gripping, holding, or even writing.
Rhizarthrosis is one of the most common joint problems in the hand, with about 10% of people experiencing it. Some people can manage their symptoms using treatments like hand exercises or pain relief medication, but for others, the pain becomes unbearable and surgery might be an option. This is where the procedure called trapeziectomy comes in.
What did the study discover?
What happens in trapeziectomy?
A trapeziectomy is a surgical method that involves removing a small bone from your thumb joint, called the trapezium. By taking this damaged bone out, doctors aim to reduce pain and improve thumb movement. In the study we are looking at, surgeons used a special pyrocarbon spacer—a medical object made of a durable material used to replace the trapezium bone. This spacer was placed in the joint to maintain the space and allow smoother movement.
Did it work?
In the study, a 46-year-old tennis player underwent this procedure after struggling with severe rhizarthrosis in her dominant hand. She experienced pain during rest and active movements, like playing tennis. Four years after her surgery, her results were impressive:
- She had no pain during rest or activity.
- She returned to daily tennis playing at a competitive level—for 1-2 hours a day!
- X-rays showed the spacer was in place and her thumb joint remained stable.
What’s the catch?
You may be wondering if this treatment is perfect. While the pyrocarbon spacer worked well for this patient, the study mentioned issues with four other cases where the spacer moved out of position. This could be a potential risk. Additionally, the spacer itself is expensive, costing around 930 Euros, which is something to consider when discussing treatment options with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis happens when the cartilage in your thumb joint wears down over time, making every movement of your thumb harder and painful.
How long does recovery take after a trapeziectomy?
Recovery speeds can vary, but the tennis player in the study returned to competitive play within a year of her surgery.
Are there risks with pyrocarbon spacers?
Yes, the spacer can sometimes move out of place and may add to the cost of the procedure.
Is this procedure common?
It’s not as common as other treatments, but the study suggests it could be a good choice for people who use their thumbs intensively, like tennis players or other athletes.
What are your next steps?
If thumb pain from arthritis is affecting your daily life or preventing you from doing what you love, talking to a doctor about your options is a great first step. They can help explain whether a trapeziectomy with a pyrocarbon spacer might be suitable for you or what other treatments might be helpful.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
Citation: Szalay, G.; Meyer, C.; Jurgensen, I.; Stigler, B.; Schnettler, R. (2009). “The operative treatment of rhizarthrosis for patients with extreme exposure of the hand by athletic activities–is the trapeziectomy with interposition of an pyrocarbon spacer a option for treatment?” Read the study here.