Base of thumb arthritis (carpo-metacarpal joint)
This causes pain and stiffness at the base of the thumb. It may lead to hand weakness and thumb deformity. Two bones with damaged cartilage surfaces (thumb metacarpal and trapezium) are rubbing together causing pain.
Non-surgical treatment: steroid injection, splint, activity modification
trapeziectomy
Dr McGonagle will make an incision at the base of your thumb near the wrist. He will remove a small bone (trapezium) at the base of the thumb. This means that the 2 bones are no longer rubbing against each other in a painful fashion.
Benefits: decreased pain/stiffness, restore function
Risks: pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, nerve/tendon injury
Anesthesia: General anaesthesia
Duration in hospital: 0.5 days
After Surgery
You will have a plaster slab on your thumb and wrist. At 2 weeks the practice nurse will check the wound, and a physiotherapist will apply a plastic splint, which will be worn until 6 weeks after surgery.
Beyond 6 weeks, you will be encouraged to move your thumb normally.