What is a Carpometacarpal arthroplasty?
Thumb CMC arthroplasty is a treatment option for thumb arthritis, a type of osteoarthritis found at the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint located at the base of the thumb. The CMC joint gives the thumb a wide range of motion – up, down, and across the palm, as well the ability to pinch.
How long is recovery for CMC arthroplasty?
The first 6 weeks are tough with pain, weakness, and stiffness in the thumb. Most patients have minimal pain by 3 months after surgery. Your symptoms will continue to improve with improvements in ability to do more activities every 3 months.
What does CMC arthroplasty stand for?
Carpal Meta-Carpal (CMC) Arthroplasty.
What is a thumb CMC arthroplasty?
Thumb arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to treat arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the thumb. This surgery helps restore mobility and function to the thumb.
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.
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.
How long do you wear a splint 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.
Why is the carpometacarpal joint important?
The carpometacarpal (CMC) of the thumb is a saddle joint that permits a wide range of motion and is largely responsible for the characteristic dexterity of human prehension. This joint, located at the very base of the thumb, is subject to large physical stresses throughout life.
When is thumb surgery necessary?
If you don’t respond to other treatments or if you’re barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.
How long is recovery from thumb surgery?
Patients often need three months to fully recover. MU Health Care performs a new version of the surgery that does not require using a tendon or artificial spacer.