What is CMC arthroplasty?

Thumb CMC arthroplasty involves removing the small wrist bone that is part of the CMC joint and replacing it with a wrist flexor tendon. During the procedure, a small incision (approximately 1.5 inches) is made over the CMC joint, and the trapezium wrist bone is removed.

How painful is CMC arthroplasty?

You will generally have no pain, and the numbing medication usually lasts about 8 or more hours, so you will leave the surgery center with no pain.

When is a CMC arthroplasty needed?

The carpometacarpal joint is located at the base of the thumb and aids in many hand movements. When the cartilage shock absorber wears away, surgeons may recommend an arthroplasty to remove and replace the joint with a skin graft or an artificial implant made out of silicone, metal, or pyrocarbon.

Is CMC arthroplasty the same as LRTI?

Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition, or better known as LRTI, has been the traditional surgical treatment of Basal Joint Arthritis since the 1970s. The diseased trapezium bone is removed, and then typically the flexor carpi radialis tendon is cut.

Is CMC Arthroplasty the same as LRTI?

How long do you wear a splint after thumb surgery?

The cast along with your stitches will then be removed between two and four weeks after the surgery, and you will be given a plastic splint. The splint should be worn for four to six weeks. 2 It should be worn at all times, but can be removed when performing specific exercises to strengthen your thumb.

How long do you wear a cast after thumb surgery?

You will be given a wound review appointment approximately 5-10 days after your surgery. A splint will be made for your hand. The splint can be removed during the day four to six weeks after the operation. It should still be used at night for another two weeks.

How is CMC joint pain treated?

The following are nonsurgical treatment options:

  1. Activity modification.
  2. Massage.
  3. Over the counter NSAID’s (ibuprofen or naproxen)
  4. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric or ginger.
  5. Topical pain relief creams/gels.
  6. Occupational/physical therapy.
  7. Corticosteroid injections.
  8. Prescription anti-inflammatory medications.

How is CMC diagnosed?

CMC joint osteoarthritis is diagnosed by history, physical examination, and x-rays. Ligaments and muscles are the two key factors that affect joint stability in the thumb. Treatment options for CMC joint osteoarthritis include conservative care, steroid injections, and surgery.

What is the most common joint replacement?

The most common joints to be replaced are hips and knees. There is ongoing work on elbow and shoulder replacement, but some joint problems are still treated with joint resection (the surgical removal of the joint in question) or interpositional reconstruction (the reassembly of the joint from constituent parts).

What is a hinge joint?

Anatomical terminology. A hinge joint (ginglymus) is a bone joint in which the articular surfaces are molded to each other in such a manner as to permit motion only in one plane.

What is thumb replacement surgery?

Thumb Arthroplasty is surgery to replace part or the entire joint at the base of your thumb. Thumb Arthroplasty is a procedure that is performed on patients with advanced basilar thumb arthritis.