Post Trapeziectomy Tri Scaphoid Osteoarthritis
After a successful Trapeziectomy in 2020 I started getting pain in a similar place in 2022. I spoke to my GP who referred me to the surgery's Physio.
She told me quite frankly that I could not possibly be in pain as the Trapezium had been removed and basically it was in my head.
Wrong.
My right hip went in November 2022 and after using a walking stick, I was told to progress to, and only use, elbow crutches following C6/7 surgery to help with my hip pain.
Six months later, and after the wrist pain getting worse (surprised to be able to feel this as the hip pain was so severe) I spoke to my GP again and he sent me for an xray on my wrist.
Increased OA in Wrist was shown although the Radiologist incorrectly diagnosed Osteonecrosis as they didn't check my records.
I was referred back to MSK and back to my previous surgeon and told I must not use my crutches and given a stick with a shaped hand rest for the left side (opposite side to hip and side of wrist OA).
THR May 2024 and hospital physios told me no crutches unless I absolutely needed to. They gave me a walking stick with a shaped hand support for the right hand.
Yesterday, I eventually got back to my wonderful hand surgeon who implied that resting so heavily on sticks and crutches while my hip was bad, probably caused the onset of OA in the tri-scaphoid, where the first of those joints, the trapezium, had already been removed.
The other two components that form the tri-scaphoid are now bone on bone.
He gave me a steroid injection (fingers crossed it lasts longer than others have) and will monitor for the time being with review in 6 months. However, if it continues to get worse, or if my left hip goes before the next review, he will see me immediately to assist.
The prognosis for treatment is not good at the moment - the component he would have used to replace the trapezium and treat the new OA has been removed from use and no longer made also taking fusion/joint replacement extremely difficult at the moment.
Where to now?
As I cannot put weight on the left side, referral back to physio's at the hospital and hand therapist. Only using sticks absolutely as a last resort and manage as best I can. I can't take anti inflammatories or use anti imflammatory creams. The hospital physio's will make me a support to use.
So, the moral of this story is, if you have had a Trapeziectomy and get similar symptoms, like me, years later, don't let some know it all Physio tell you it's all in your head and impossible. Insist on new xrays and if necessary after looking at the new xrays, referral back to your hand surgeon. If you need to use crutches, there are different types that can be used but apparently they're not very comfortable and if you do have to use walking aids, try not to put all your weight on your operated hand like I did.
To be continued!
Onwards and upwards and keep smiling
Love n hugs
Trish xx
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Post Script
Please do not let my experience put you off having a trapeziectomy. It was the best thing I could have had done and left me pain free for two years. Even then it has only got bad since my hip went.
Not everyone has further problems, it was a series of events that combined that caused my problems and I will continue to recommend trapeziectomy to everyone wholeheartedly.
Trish xx
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