Rhizarthrosis treatment

Procedure

If the symptoms are minor, the thumb can be immobilized with an appropriate splint and treated with an anti-inflammatory painkiller. This can reduce swelling and pain. Cortisone can also be injected into the joint. If there is painful instability of the thumb saddle joint, which would sooner or later lead to osteoarthritis of the joint, joint stabilization by means of ligament reconstruction with a tendon can be performed as a preventive procedure under certain circumstances.

Affected persons with persistent pain and no response to the conservative treatment options mentioned require surgical therapy. Various surgical methods have been developed for this clinical picture. In the most frequently performed operation, the large polygonal bone (os trapezium), which together with the metacarpal bone forms the saddle joint, is removed. To prevent the thumb from slipping towards the wrist, it is flexibly fixed in its original position with a wrist tendon strip so that mobility is maintained. In addition to this operation, there are other surgical options that can be considered depending on the stage of the disease. Your hand surgeon will advise you on the best option for you.

Aftercare

After an operation, the patient is immobilized in a plaster splint for two weeks. A removable splint is then fitted, which must be worn during the day for a further two to four weeks. At the same time, hand therapy begins with mobilization of the thumb. A splint should be worn at night until about two to four months after the operation to strengthen the position of the thumb. Full resilience is achieved after four to six months.