Trapeziectomy or thumb joint replacement

AAB
AAB Member Posts: 4
edited 2. Sep 2025, 18:46 in Living with arthritis

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.

Comments

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 933
    edited 7. Mar 2024, 21:46

    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
    Hellesbelles Member Posts: 18

    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
    AAB Member Posts: 4

    Thank you so much Helen for sharing your experiences.

  • AAB
    AAB Member Posts: 4

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

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,492

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • AAB
    AAB Member Posts: 4

    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
    strange_bo Member Posts: 1

    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
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 952
    edited 28. Feb 2025, 10:56

    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

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

  • TrishG
    TrishG Member Posts: 5
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/719434#Comment_719434
  • TrishG
    TrishG Member Posts: 5

    I am 3 months post op and I am getting more shooting pains and discomfort in my wrist area and top of my hand than previously. Is this the nerves regenerating? All kinds of little shocks and pains, especially in my inner wrist. I see the surgeon Sept. 25.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,548

    @Trish9556 might be a good person to help if she had any similar experience @TrishG ?

    She is a good regular poster if she sees this I know she'll reply if she can.

    Take care

    Toni x

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 933

    Hi @TrishG

    Thanks @frogmorton for tagging me :)

    I would think it's still a part of your recovery process but note down when you experience it, in case there is a link to what you're doing. Please keep up the exercises too - especially using therapy putty and exercise balls which will help keep your muscles working.

    I had my trapeziectomy in 2020 and made a full recovery but I am now heading for a second surgery on the same hand due to separate issues

    Please shout if you have any more queries or if I can help

    Trish

  • TrishG
    TrishG Member Posts: 5

    Thanks Trish! Your comments will ease my mind until my surgeon appointment Sept.25. Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.

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