Osteoarthritis of the thumb saddle joint
The thumb-saddle joint makes it possible to position the thumb opposite the long fingers, which is what makes our targeted grasping possible in the first place.
In thumb saddle joint arthrosis, also known as rhizarthrosis, the cartilage covering is damaged or depleted, resulting in inflammation with swelling and pain, particularly when the joint is under strain.
In principle, the cartilage in any joint can wear down over the years due to daily mechanical stress. Rhizarthrosis is the most common degenerative disease of the hand due to the high load on the thumb saddle joint. Women are affected more frequently than men. Other causes can be inflammatory diseases of the rheumatic type, metabolic disorders (gout and the like) or the consequences of accidents that lead to incorrect loading of the joint.
As a rule, complaints develop slowly over time. Symptoms of rhizarthrosis are pain in the area of the base of the thumb, which mainly occurs during gripping movements. The pain can often be triggered by twisting movements, such as opening a bottle, turning a door handle or a key. Gripping force is reduced. Over time, the joint often becomes unstable and the base of the thumb becomes deformed (subluxation of the joint). At the same time, the incorrect loading and evasive movements can lead to additional malpositions of the thumb, such as hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb or a reduction in the spread of the thumb. Depending on their extent, these must also be treated during any surgery.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the thumb saddle joint is made on the basis of the patient’s medical history, clinical examination and X-ray images.
Depending on the stage, the therapy can take place in several stages and is primarily based on the existing symptoms.
As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please get a referral from your primary care physician, specialist. For questions please use our contact form.
Easily assign your patient online.