Do you have thumb pain that won’t go away, even when you are resting? You may have rhizarthrosis. This is a kind of arthritis at the base of the thumb where it connects to your hand. You are not alone, and there are treatments that can help.
A study looked at a new surgery using the TIE-IN implant. The goal is simple: reduce pain, improve thumb movement, and help you grip things more easily.
Three key findings from the study:
- Almost all the patients felt relief from resting pain.
- Their thumb movement greatly improved after surgery.
- They could grab things more strongly and comfortably.
What will this article cover?
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis at the base of the thumb. Arthritis happens when joints get damaged from wear and tear or other problems. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. For many people with advanced rhizarthrosis, simple tasks like opening jars or holding a pen can be hard.
What does the study show?
The study looked at how a special thumb surgery can help people with severe rhizarthrosis. This technique blends two parts:
- Interposition arthroplasty, Doctors place a supportive material inside the joint to stop it from rubbing painfully.
- Suspension arthroplasty, This stabilizes the joint to prevent it from collapsing or moving in ways that cause pain.
The TIE-IN implant is the tool used in this surgery. It supports the thumb joint and helps restore movement.
After the surgery, all the patients felt less pain. In fact, the pain they felt while resting was completely gone! Their pain level dropped from 5.8 out of 10 before surgery to just 0.8 out of 10 afterward.
| Measurement | Before Surgery | After Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Pain (VAS Scale) | 5.8 | 0.8 |
| Thumb Movement (Kapandji Score) | 6.9 | 9.5 |
People could move their thumbs farther. They also gained grip strength, which makes daily tasks easier.
Why does this matter? The thumb is a main part of your hand. It helps you grasp, pinch, and hold things. Losing thumb function can affect your life. This study shows the TIE-IN implant could be a big help for people who need better treatment for thumb arthritis.
FAQs
What causes rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis often happens because of wear and tear on the thumb joint, aging, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. It leads to pain and difficulty moving your thumb.
How does the TIE-IN implant work?
The TIE-IN implant is a device placed inside the joint to stop painful rubbing. It stabilizes the thumb and keeps it in place while letting you move it comfortably.
Is surgery safe?
According to the study, no patients had major problems during or after surgery. There were no infections or issues with the implant failing.
What does this mean for me?
If you have thumb pain from rhizarthrosis, this study offers hope. The combination of interposition and suspension arthroplasty with the TIE-IN implant can reduce your pain, improve movement, and help you use your thumb more easily.
If you think this surgery could help you, talk to your doctor to learn your options. Being informed is the first step toward relief.
Is this information trustworthy?
This article is for educational purposes only. It is based on the findings of a scientific study. Please talk to your doctor for medical advice and treatment options that fit your needs.
What is the study citation?
Jurca, J.; Havlas, V. (2018). Interposition and Suspension Arthroplasty of Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb Using the TIE-IN Implant