Arthritis / Joint Reconstruction
Arthritis / Joint Reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Margate, FL
The base of the thumb, the knuckles, the second joint, and the top joint of the fingers are all common sites for hand arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. There are many treatment options for these conditions including but not limited to:
- Splints and braces
- Medications
- Steroid injections
- Healthy life choices
- Joint fusion
- Joint replacement
- Tendon transfer
How Successful is Hand Surgery for Arthritis
If nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief for your symptoms, it may be time to consider surgery. There are several options including:
- Joint Fusion – Plates and screws are used to keep the bones of your joint together. This will create a more stable, pain-free joint, but will have limited flexibility and movement
- Joint Replacement – An artificial implant made of plastic, ceramics, silicone, or metals is used to replace your damaged joint, however, hinged finger implants do not mimic normal finger movement
- Tendon Transfer – Tendons connect muscles to bones; the tendons that control your fingers are attached to the muscles in your palm and forearm. Inflammation from arthritis can cause tendons to rupture, so in this procedure, a portion of a healthy tendon can be used to restore the function of your hand
Recovery time depends on the severity of your condition, the type of surgery you had, and your cooperation with therapy after your procedure. Most people can return to their activities about three months after joint reconstruction surgery.