Trapeziectomy or thumb joint replacement

AAB

I would be grateful to know of anyone’s experience or knowledge of thumb joint replacement. I am due to have a trapeziectomy, however, a second opinion has been given to me suggesting a joint replacement. Thank you.

Trish9556

Hi @AAB

I had a trapeziectomy in 2020 after 5 years of pain. The best thing I ever did.

I now have an unrelated problem in the same wrist and happily doing back to the same surgeon who looked after me so well.

I can't comment on a joint replacement, the trapezium is quite a small joint and you can cope very well without it which is what I do

I have posted some exercises on here, if you search on trapeziectomy on here you should find them and they should help

Trish

Hellesbelles

Hi @AAB I had my first trapeziectomy in 2019 was amazed at just how much difference it made, although I did struggle with grip & strength for a little while.

I then had my right thumb done in November of last year, and whilst that has been successful, it has left me with some slight nerve damage down the one side of my thumb.

However, my consultant is reasonably satisfied will ease over time, but we will see.

There is no denying it is quite painful, and very limiting at first, but with the help of a good hand therapist you should start to notice the benefits after around 2-3 months.

With regards to joint replacement, like Trish, I can't comment.

It is, as she says a very small bone that is removed, but like her, I too manage exceptionally well without it.

Having had both of my thumbs done, & based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending someone to have surgery if it was offered.

Good luck, Helen

AAB

Thank you so much Helen for sharing your experiences.

AAB

Thank you Trish, this really helps to hear of the positive outcomes.

noddingtonpete

Hello @AAB and welcome to the Community.

I hope that you get your treatment soon and it gives you relief from the pain.

If you need anything further just pop a question in the discussion.

Best wishes

Peter

AAB

Thank you Peter.

I am grateful for the responses I have received regarding thumb joint replacement as opposed to a Trapeziectomy. I am hoping there may be someone in the community with a little more knowledge on this.

strange_bo

First Post Thumb OA & Trapeziectomy Questions

Hi everyone, I’m Strange_Bo, and I’m glad to have found this group! A little about me:

• I have osteoarthritis in both thumbs and have been putting off surgery.
• Meeting with my surgeon again on Monday, 3/4, and this time I’ll insist on surgery.
• Your stories have been really reassuring—thank you!

A few quick questions:

• Is trapeziectomy usually covered by insurance? My cancer treatment was, so I’m hoping this will be too.
• Has anyone had a trapeziectomy after lymph node removal (mine was 6 years ago for breast cancer)? Wondering about edema issues.
• I’m starting with my right (dominant) hand first—is having OA in both thumbs pretty common?

Thanks in advance for any insights/tips for my upcoming appointment!

Strange_Bo 🤔

Poppyjane

Welcome @strange_bo to the online community

We are glad you found us and pleased that some of your questions were answered. It is often the case isn't it that these lead to more questions! I hope some of our members will be able to help, meanwhile I am sending a link which I hope you will find helpful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

www.versusarthritis.org/media/1420/trapeziectomy-factsheet.pdf

Do let us know how you get on with your consultation.

Take care

Poppyjane