Do you have thumb pain that won’t go away, even when you are resting? You may be living with a condition called rhizarthrosis. This is a type of arthritis that affects the base of your thumb, where it connects to your hand. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are treatment options that can help.
A study was done to explore a new surgical option for people like you. It focuses on a type of surgery using something called the TIE-IN implant. The goal is simple: reduce pain, improve thumb movement, and help you grip things more easily.
Here are three key things the study found:
- Almost all the patients experienced relief from resting pain.
- Their thumb movement greatly improved after surgery.
- They could grab things more strongly and comfortably.
In this article
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is a medical word for arthritis in the base of your thumb. Arthritis happens when the joints in your body become damaged due to wear and tear or other problems. Over time, this can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. For many people with advanced rhizarthrosis, even everyday activities like opening jars or holding a pen can be difficult.
What does the study show?
The study looked at how a specific type of thumb surgery can help people with severe rhizarthrosis. This technique combines two approaches:
- 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.
Here is where it gets interesting: 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 |
Patients saw big improvements in how far their thumbs could move. They also regained strength in their grip, making everyday tasks easier.
You may be wondering why this matters so much. The thumb is a key part of your hand—it lets you grasp, pinch, and hold. Losing thumb function is more than inconvenient; it can affect your quality of life. This study shows that the TIE-IN implant could be a game-changer 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.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with thumb pain due to 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 you might benefit from this surgery, speak with your doctor to learn more about your options. Being informed is the first step toward finding relief.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for educational purposes only. It is based on the findings of a scientific study. Please consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.
Study citation
Jurca, J.; Havlas, V. (2018). Interposition and Suspension Arthroplasty of Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb Using the TIE-IN Implant