Trapeziectomy v. replacement?

EmmaP2010

Hi, my name is Emma, I am 48 and I have thumb basal joint arthritis. This has been getting progressively worse for about 5 years and I have had 2 lots cortisone injections this year. I have now been given the option of surgery and would be very grateful for some opinions/views on trapeziectomy v. joint replacement. My consultant has said that a trapeziectomy is more widely used nowadays and has a very high success rate, whereas there are more complications with a replacement and it is a much longer more painful recovery. My mum had a replacement approx 20 years ago and it has been very successful, after the initial recovery which was indeed very long and painful.

As a bit of background I am a Legal Assistant and I use a computer/typing every day. I currently am in pain most days and have severe loss of grip with both hands (more so in the right).

I am particularly interested to know how much functionality/strength I can expect post op from the trapeziectomy v. the replacement as as well as your general opinions on both surgeries.

Thank you

stickywicket

Hi Emma. I've had knees and hips replaced but no hand ops. We've certainly had a lot of trapeziectomies on the forum but not many replacements. I'm so glad your Mum's was very successful but surgery moves on and maybe the thinking now is that a trapeziectomy is less invasive and much more successful that previously. I guess a replacement would still be an option later if necessary. I've found a couple of previous threads for you - one on trapeziectomies and one on replacements. Good luck with the decision-making and do let's know how you get on.

http://tinyurl.com/yb2rf56d

http://tinyurl.com/yd46lxs7