Fiberwire Ligament Reconstruction Thumb Near Me (2024)

FAQs

How long does thumb reconstruction surgery take? ›

The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes. Your surgeon will make a small cut on the back of your hand at the base of your thumb, and remove the trapezium.

Surgeons may use a FiberWire ligament reconstruction technique if cartilage loss has occurred. With this procedure, surgeons remove the trapezium and use FiberWire to anchor the thumb to the index finger. This technique reduces recovery time to only three months and provides less stiffness in the wrist.

Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI)

In use for more than 40 years, LRTI is the most commonly performed surgery for thumb arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated.

A newer surgical technique for patients with thumb arthritis involving fiberwire ligament reconstruction halves rehabilitation and immobilization time and significantly lowers the complication rate compared to other procedures, says David S. Ruch, MD, Duke chief of hand surgery.

Thumb surgery, and any surgery, can be painful. Thumb arthritis itself is characterized by discomfort, but you may find the pain of surgery is less than the everyday arthritis pain with which you've been living.

Recovery and rehabilitation

You'll usually be advised to wear the splint at all times for 3 to 6 weeks, possibly followed by just wearing it at night for a further couple of weeks. Your hand therapist will tell you how to look after your splint and what to do if you develop any problems with it.

Generally they do not put you completely asleep, but rather you will drift off to sleep and can be completely unaware of the surgery, if you want. You can discuss how sleepy or unaware you want to be with your anesthesia team in the pre-op area before surgery.

Surgical repair of complete tears and those with a Stener lesion has yielded excellent results in more than 90% of patients, with RTS rates ranging from 96% to 100% in elite-level athletes.

If you drive

This is usually 6-12 weeks after surgery. You can return to work when you feel that you have enough strength and control to carry out your job.

You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the joints (rheumatologist).

What is stage 4 arthritis of the thumb? ›

By stage IV, bone spurs, narrowed joint space, and even joint dislocation may be seen. Although X-rays are important, radiographic staging of the disease does not predict the severity of symptoms or guide treatment.

The splint protects the incision and the surgical reconstruction, as well as lessen swelling. Elevate your hand above your heart as much as possible to lessen swelling and pain. Pillows and blankets under the arm are helpful when you go to sleep. Mild to moderate after surgery is common.

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Complex

Taking vitamins rich in chondroitin sulphate can decreases hand pain, improves stiffness and helps restore joint function. According to studies, taking chondroitin sulphate prevents the cartilage from breaking down and stimulates its natural repair mechanisms.

Thumb stabilization

Start by holding your hand and fingers straight and close together. Gently curve your fingers, as if your hand is wrapped around a can or bottle. Moving slowly and smoothly, return your hand to the starting position. Repeat the exercise five times with each hand.

Prolonged untreated thumb arthritis can lead to several complications, including contracture of the first web space and a "swan neck" type of deformity. These conditions can severely affect your ability to grip and pinch, ultimately diminishing your hand's functionality.

In most hospitals, surgery on the hand and wrist is usually performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients must undergo preoperative tests, fast starting the night before, and spend an hour or more in a recovery room.

You will see your surgeon or PA 10-14 days after surgery in the office where the stitches will be removed. You will then be placed into a thumb spica cast and will come back for cast and pin removal 3 weeks later. Once the pin is removed you will have a custom splint made for the thumb.

You can use your hand for very light activities of daily living, such as eating, writing, typing, getting dressed, and brushing your teeth. Avoid any heavy gripping, pulling, or pinching with the thumb until your surgeon or therapist says you may do these things.