Often, the two ends of the tendon are very damaged and cannot be sewn back together. Prior to the adoption of the fiberwire ligament reconstruction technique, the standard for thumb arthritis surgery for more than 40 years was ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition. This type of surgery, also called arthroplasty, is used in cases of severe hand arthritis. Duke researchers are actively looking at this discrepancy by analyzing retrospective surgical outcomes in men and women who have undergone surgery for thumb arthritis. If the ligament is completely torn, surgery may be needed to regain normal stability. By the start of the third month, youll begin a gradual return to normal daily activity. Those who experience chronic pain due to arthritis should consider the alternative treatment options. The most common cause of CMC joint breakdown is arthritis. Then, you will likely have to do exercises to help you regain full functionality. A thumb sprain can also happen over time from activities or sports that involve repetitive grasping or hand twisting. 11 Once the pain and swelling improve, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy or home exercises to help restore the function of the ligament and joint. During this surgery, the surgeon cuts through a ligament in the wrist to make more room for nerves and tendons to pass through. The three different grades include: Both a broken (fractured) thumb and a sprained thumb can cause pain, swelling and bruising, but there are some differences to look for. Physical therapy for thumb arthritis begins by focusing on pain and swelling control. Your doctor might recommend a foam wrist-elevation pillow or other device. Surgery to replace your thumb joint could involve a tendon transfer or an artificial replacement. The finger may also be jammed, twisted, or stretched playing sports. Repetitive motions, like typing on a keyboard, can create weakness and stiffness in your wrists and fingers. Summary. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. What can I expect after thumb arthritis surgery? Sprained Thumb | Cause and Recovery Time | OrthoIndy Blog AC joint surgery is used to treat injuries to the AC joint between your shoulder blade and collarbone. The three different grades include: Grade 1: A grade 1 thumb sprain is a mild sprain. During the procedure, the thumbs carpometacarpal joint is exposed through a 2-inch incision, and then the trapezium is removed in its entirety. How long does pain last after tendon surgery? Finger Injury Pictures, Types, Treatment, Symptoms & Diagnosis This can cause stiffness, pain, and disability that a doctor can correct with carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty, otherwise known as total thumb joint replacement. . Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. He or she will also repair any injury to the tissues around it. More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and interposition arthroplasty using the palmaris longus tendon: An average 5-year follow-up, Warfarin therapy - management during invasive procedures and surgery, Perioperative considerations for patients with major depressive disorder undergoing surgery, When to stop anticoagulation, anti-platelet aggregates, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) prior to spine surgery, Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for thumb basal arthritis, Cost analysis and national trends in the treatment of thumb basal arthritis: comparing ligament reconstruction/tendon interposition and trapeziectomy/hematoma distraction arthroplasty, Have adhesive probes placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate with an. Having a lump in your thumb. Cedars-Sinais blog and digital publications tell the stories of thriving patients, dedicated caregivers and brilliant clinician-scientists. These include tooth brushing and other personal hygiene activities, as well as eating and writing. Hand tendon repair - Recovery - NHS This procedure is an excellent choice for people who have arthritis in the thumb. Chemical peels can produce a range of results, depending on your skin type and the type of peel you choose. Ask Dr. Parisi: What Are the Trigger Finger Treatments? Some ligamnets will only heal properly if treated with surgery. But theres less research available to support their effectiveness. 2 to 4 weeks: The cast and stitches are removed, and you'll be given a plastic splint to stabilize the wrist. The anchovy is placed in the CMC joint to give the cushioning that the arthritic cartilage used to provide. As we go about each day doing our normal activities, theres always a risk of tripping, falling and getting injured. Be sure to follow your surgeon's pre-operative instructions to avoid complications or the possible delay of your procedure. A broken thumb usually causes more intense pain, and your thumb may look deformed or misshapen. Try these 10 exercises to help prevent, Maxillofacial surgery refers to procedures done on the mouth, jaw, or lower face. Research shows that symptoms improve for more than 90% of patients following carpal tunnel surgery. Cuts on the back of the hand can injure the extensor tendons. Following surgery, the thumb is padded and a splint is applied to promote healing. Though the surgery is successful in stabilizing the thumb, it is followed by a minimum six-month recovery time before the patient regains their strength and grasp, Ruch says. Mirza A, et al. Thumb sprains, and other types of sprains, can range from a stretch or small tear in your ligament tissues to a complete tear through your ligament or a detachment from your bone. Hand Arthritis | Bill's Story Use metal retractors to hold open the incision. In some cases, your doctor may perform a combination of these treatments. This may involve heat therapy or manual therapies. You will likely experience some pain and stiffness, as well as swelling. Avoid Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain relievers for several days. Muscle pain due to exercise heals within a week ( which happens due to micro- tear in muscle fibre). It can provide effective relief of the pain of thumb arthritis for many people. This procedure may be done under a type of anesthesia known as regional axillary block, so you wont feel pain. When a group of muscles contract (tighten), the attached tendons will pull on certain bones. However, recovery time is longer. Most patients return to work within 2-7 days after endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. The likelihood of having complications from a thumb sprain depends on how severe it is and which ligament was affected. A trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure in which the trapezium, one of the bones of the wrist, is removed to treat symptoms of thumb arthritis. (2022). You'll typically be able to go home one or two hours after the procedure. This is called an avulsion fracture. The main advantage of ligament reconstruction is the stability it provides, but it does not repair the bone or cartilage. Trapeziectomy involves multiple steps. Keep your recommended medical appointments even if you feel OK. This artificial joint may be made of metal, plastic, silicone rubber, or your own body tissue, such as a tendon. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. During LRTI, a surgeon removes the damaged bone surfaces and part or all of the trapezium bone in your wrist. Some people do explore non-surgical options for these treatments, this may include an array of stem cell therapy or Platelet Rich Plasma therapy.If you are exploring these options please understand that in our . Both thumb sprains and thumb strains usually cause pain. Some patients will return to work immediately after surgery, while others will need more time. Quick note: A complete rupture or disintegration of a ligament will most likely require surgery. Watch out for infections or red patches. The remaining portion of the FCR is cut off and preserved in gauze. Depending on the severity of your arthritis and other factors, you may undergo general anesthesia (in which you are fully asleep), monitored anesthesia care ("twilight sleep"), or local anesthesia (which numbs the surgical site while you remain awake). Hand Tendon Repair - Surgery, Complications & Recovery from - Healthily Basal joint arthritis affects women over 50 years of age 10 to 20 times more often than men. A proper evaluation is required. A thumb sprain (sometimes called skiers thumb or gamekeepers thumb) happens when a ligament (tissue that connects bones at a joint) in your thumb stretches too much or tears. Tendon graft options include: The palmaris longus tendon, which is a wrist and forearm tendon. National Health Service (UK). Orthopedic Surgery for Gamekeeper's (Skier's) Thumb Treatment A simple flexor tendon repair takes 45 to 60 minutes. Still, there are downsides: Total joint arthroplasty (aka total joint replacement) involves removing the damaged bone surfaces and replacing them with a prosthesis. Treatment for a mild thumb sprain can include: If youre still experiencing pain and swelling after two days of rest and at-home treatment, see your healthcare professional. Four or five days after surgery, your postoperative dressing will be removed, you'll get a removable splint and begin physical therapy. Which is the best method for CMC surgery? It is important that no physical activity is performed by the injured thumb because it can prolong the healing time. In the first few days following the surgery, the patient will have some soreness. Doctors keep the wire in for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the area to heal. The end of the ruptured ligament can cause a lump under your skin. The putty comes in graduated resistance levels to use as your strength increases. Whether minor or severe, at one time or another, many of us have experienced an injury to the finger, hand, wrist or elbow. The prosthesis is more likely to fail if you use your thumb joint often. But, complex surgery for more severe . Therapy will include squeezing and manipulating special hand putty to strengthen your fingers and thumb. After a wrist injury, ligament damage may result in an unstable joint. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/23/2021. If youve been experiencing pain in your thumb, you should schedule a consultation with your surgeon. Instead, wrap your bandages in water-proof plastic film, and take a bath only (with your hand outside the tub). Thumb Surgery Offers Arthritis Relief, Quick Recovery What is the recovery time for CMC arthroplasty. Youll also be asked to perform a series of gentle exercises using your thumb to improve strength, range of motion, and stability around the joint. It is crucial that you follow your healthcare provider's instructions to ensure the best possible results. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition in comparison with hematoma distraction arthroplasty for the treatment of arthritis in the trapeziometacarpal joint. What Is the Recovery Time for Appendicitis Surgery? Surgery involves reconnecting the ligament to the bone. Lee SJ, Rabinovich RV, Kim A. The goal is to allow the body time to recover and heal itself. Experiencing intense pain and tenderness around the base of your thumb. Both types of tendon surgery require a lengthy period of recovery (rehabilitation) because the repaired tendons will be very weak until the ends heal together.