Tuesday , March 19 2024

Over 50 Million People Have Arthritis: Which Treatment is Best for Your Hands?

Christopher Manseau M.D.
Over 50 Million People Have ArthritisArthritis of the thumb is one of the most commonly affected areas in the body.  More women than men suffer from thumb arthritis; however, men can develop it too.  Usually people over the age of 40 will start to experience tightness, limited range of motion, and pain in their thumb joint, also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.
The typical treatment for thumb arthritis is conservative at first with limited use protocols, stretching, icing, and corticosteroid injections or NSAIDs for pain management.  However, these treatment options are not going to correct or heal arthritis.  To get permanent relief and results, you will need surgery.
Thumb Joint Surgery
Ligament reconstruction stabilizes the CMC joint by removing a portion of the impaired ligament and replacing it with a piece of the patient’s wrist flexor tendon.
Thumb Arthroplasty is the standard surgical treatment for thumb arthritis.  The trapezium bone will be removed, and the radial artery is identified.  The FCR tendon (flexor carpi radialis) is also identified and “freed up.”  Once the FCR tendon is free, it is delivered through the incision and into the base of the thumb.  The metacarpal is carved to create a tine hole.  The FCR is then placed through the metacarpal and sutured back onto itself.  This allows the movement of the thumb to take place once healing is accomplished naturally.
The remaining portion of the FCR is rolled into a small ball and sutured back into itself again, which creates a spacer between the bones and joint.
Aftercare
After Arthroplasty surgery, you will need to rest and guard the thumb joint.  If your surgeon gave instructions for any stretching or range-of-motion exercises, you would be doing those under their supervision and direction.  During your healing process, you must be diligent about not using your hand.  A few weeks later you will need physical therapy to get your thumb strength and flexibility back.  Depending on your type of surgery and circumstances, you may need a few weeks to a few months of therapy.
Orthopedic Specialty Care
Orthopaedic Specialty Care (OSC) provides comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical solutions to the full range of orthopedic issues confronting all ages.
Christopher Manseau M.D.
Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Fellow American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopedic Specialty Care
Orthopaedic Specialty Care (OSC) provides comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical solutions to the full range of orthopedic issues confronting all ages.
Dr. Christopher Manseau and his support staff develop and implement individual care programs combining advanced surgical techniques to ensure optimal success. Arthroscopic and other minimally- invasive techniques are also employed as appropriate.
Dr. Manseau has practiced in North Central Florida since 1997. He established OSC in 2006 to further his desire to provide the ultimate in personalized orthopedic care, with special emphasis on the individual needs of his patients. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery; a fellow in upper extremity reconstruction, and a recognized sports injury and total joint expert.
To schedule your consultation, please call (352) 624-0004.
352.624.0004  |  www.oscllc.net

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