Follow your healthcare providers instructions on how to care for your sprained thumb. After the surgery, the thumb will be placed in a cast to protect the joint. Symptoms of a grade 2 (moderate) thumb sprain can include: Symptoms of a grade 3 (severe) thumb sprain can include: A thumb sprain can happen from a sudden, strong force that bends your thumb backward, away from your palm, or in another awkward direction. Surgery is usually only necessary for severe. The doctor will prescribe over-the-counter pain medication to reduce the pain. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that helps to smooth and flatten the abdominal area. A trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure in which the trapezium, one of the bones of the wrist, is removed to treat symptoms of thumb arthritis. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment Melbourne & Gippsland Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Trapeziectomy involves multiple steps. The likelihood of having complications from a thumb sprain depends on how severe it is and which ligament was affected. The three different grades include: Grade 1: A grade 1 thumb sprain is a mild sprain. The most common cause of CMC joint breakdown is arthritis. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. This article explains what is involved in a trapeziectomy, including when it is needed, how to prepare, and what to expect during and after surgery. In a cadaveric model, we also demonstrated that it was stronger than the ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition operation in terms of its ability to avoid collapse of the thumb., Ruch credits Duke Physical and Occupational Therapy for its contributions to changing Dukes postoperative protocols for thumb arthritis. Your hand therapist or surgeon will be able to give you a more detailed estimate of your likely recovery time. Then, you will likely have to do exercises to help you regain full functionality. A trapeziectomy is a surgery used to treat trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, also known as thumb arthritis. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The three different grades include: Both a broken (fractured) thumb and a sprained thumb can cause pain, swelling and bruising, but there are some differences to look for. "I thought there might be a way to adapt it for UCL tears in thumbs, a very common injury that can sideline athletes for almost a whole season," says the hand specialist. Duerinckx J, et al (2022). Many injuries are work-related. Stretch your hand and finger muscles before you do any exercises or play a sport that requires using your hands. The interposed tendon, which is not visible on x-rays, helps reconstruct the joint. A 2016 study of 179 people suggests that removal of the trapezium alone (trapeziectomy), without the additional LRTI procedure, may be just as effective and have fewer complications. After the initial period, most patients return to most activities and are generally in good condition at three months. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. You can also elevate your hand to reduce swelling. A simple flexor tendon repair takes 45 to 60 minutes. To perform this surgery, a surgeon can use either a ligament from your body to cushion the joint or insert metal, silicone, or plastic prostheses. Your vital signs will be monitored as the effects of the anesthesia begin to wear off. Sprained Thumb | Cause and Recovery Time | OrthoIndy Blog How long does it take to recover from thumb joint surgery? 5.5k views Answered >2 years ago. A 2021 study found HDA yielded better results than LRTI after 1 year. Ruch notes that many studies indicate thumb arthritis is 20 to 25 times more likely to occur in women than in men. Try avoiding activities and sports that involve using your hands for at least a month so your ligament has time to heal. To ensure the best possible outcome, follow these simple, self-care instructions: A trapeziectomy is a surgery used to treat thumb arthritis when conservative treatments fail. Therapy will include squeezing and manipulating special hand putty to strengthen your fingers and thumb. Experiencing swelling in your thumb or at the base of it. Craik J, et al. Compression can be applied with a firm elastic bandage around the finger. The splint is only removed when washing or doing post-operative wrist exercises. Complications following surgery on the basal joint of the thumb [Abstract]. Overview of Hand Surgery | Johns Hopkins Medicine First, the enthesis, the part of tendon which connects the bone, tends to have fewer blood vessels. Whether minor or severe, at one time or another, many of us have experienced an injury to the finger, hand, wrist or elbow. What is the recovery time for CMC arthroplasty. Ann Plast Surg. A physical therapist specializing in hands can make a splint to fit your hand and provide special exercises for you. The length of recovery for a sprained thumb depends on the severity of your sprain. Depending on the location of the injury, recovery can take between one and three months. Tendon injuries often require surgery to reattach the two tissues together to relieve pain and restore the area to a full range of motion. Quick note: A complete rupture or disintegration of a ligament will most likely require surgery. After removing the trapezium, a surgeon suspends the metacarpal of your thumb from the metacarpal of your index (pointer) finger with a suture attached to a button. Use of the putty is recommended for an indefinite period after surgery. When youre skiing, be sure to let go of your ski poles if youre falling instead of holding onto them. Regional axillary block is the preferred form of anesthetic for LRTI. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A mild sprain usually heals within four to six weeks if you wear a splint or cast to immobilize your thumb and refrain from activities that irritate it. Increased complications in trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition compared with trapeziectomy alone. Shonuga O, et al. Strong ligaments and muscles hold the CMC joint in position and provide stability. Recovery does not take as long for the Spherical Implant Surgeryindividuals can return to full . It also noted that the metacarpal was less likely to collapse after SSA. . This. In LRTI, all or part of the trapezium bone is removed from the wrist and the remaining surfaces of the CMC and STT joints are smoothed out. Experiencing intense pain and tenderness around the base of your thumb. The interphalangeal joints (IP joints) are like hinges that bend and straighten the fingers when pulled by muscles in the forearm. Range of motion returns much sooner, too. Learn all about total and partial elbow arthroplasty, the difference between linked and unlinked replacements, and what to expect during recovery. It can be difficult to tell from the outside if your injured thumb is broken or sprained, so its important to get an X-ray and an exam from a knowledgeable healthcare provider to know for sure what the injury is. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9257729/, arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/joint-surgery/preplanning/five-surgeries-for-thumb-arthritis, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5085928/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8647329/, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1048666620300616, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9398582/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9276058/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535953/, journals.lww.com/jcma/fulltext/2019/08000/long_term_results_of_modified_ligament.11.aspx, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8449149/, What to Expect from Ankle Replacement Surgery, Types of Surgery to Repair Joints: Arthroplasty and More, Your Guide to Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty, Your Guide to Total and Partial Elbow Arthroplasty. British Columbia Department of Health. Fold and tuck the ends of the tendon so that it fills the space where your trapezium was. Copyright 2004-2023 Duke University Health System, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon, Microvascular Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Newer, Less Invasive Thumb Arthritis Surgery Significantly Reduces Recovery Time. Uses a small specialized saw to cut the trapezium bone into quarters. The problem may start when the strong tissue (ligament) that holds the joint together loosens up. Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition in comparison with hematoma distraction arthroplasty for the treatment of arthritis in the trapeziometacarpal joint. With traditional surgery, the ligament is sutured, and the thumb is immobilized in a cast for four to six weeks. A typical recovery timeline looks like this: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to change dressings and wash the incision site once your cast is removed. Patients who have a history of arthritis will experience less pain after this procedure. Thumb Joint Surgery: The Procedure and Aftercare | Rheumatology Care Following surgery, you should expect some discomfort and swelling. Newer, Less Invasive Thumb Arthritis Surgery Significantly Reduces Cuts on the back of the hand can injure the extensor tendons. Most wear a soft splint for the first week and then spend four to six weeks in a cast to allow the ligament to heal. Hand Clin. Following surgery, the thumb is padded and a splint is applied to promote healing. She serves as an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, and practices in Bridgeport, Connecticut. You may be able to use your hand right away, but you may have to take at least two weeks off work for a full recovery. You can also ice and elevate your hand, especially during the first week. After one or two weeks, the dressing on the surgical wound may be changed. Some patients may continue to gain strength for up to two years. Patients who spend most of their time at home will need to take closer to six weeks off from work. tendons . The prosthesis is more likely to fail if you use your thumb joint often. Following surgery, it is crucial that you follow the instructions of your doctor to avoid scarring and minimize the risk of tendon rupture. The surgeon makes a cut (incision) at the base of your thumb. Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer and a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey. Splints and special strengthening exercises for your hands, including use of therapy putty, may help. After CMC arthroplasty, the recovery time will depend on the individual patient. Treatment for a mild thumb sprain can include: If youre still experiencing pain and swelling after two days of rest and at-home treatment, see your healthcare professional. You cant undo the surgery. Our hand therapists are some of the best in the country and really pushed to keep patients immobilized for three weeks instead of six weeks, which resulted in a significantly faster recovery time.. Its called that because its shaped like a trapezoid. What can I expect after thumb arthritis surgery? Surg Neurol Intl. After your healthcare provider performs a physical exam on your thumb to check for stability and tenderness, they may have you undergo imaging tests to rule out other possible injuries or to see how severe your thumb sprain is. A splint or cast ensures that the thumb is in the right place to heal correctly. Having a lump in your thumb. 2023 Cedars-Sinai. How long does it take for thumb surgery to heal? More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and interposition arthroplasty using the palmaris longus tendon: An average 5-year follow-up, Warfarin therapy - management during invasive procedures and surgery, Perioperative considerations for patients with major depressive disorder undergoing surgery, When to stop anticoagulation, anti-platelet aggregates, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) prior to spine surgery, Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for thumb basal arthritis, Cost analysis and national trends in the treatment of thumb basal arthritis: comparing ligament reconstruction/tendon interposition and trapeziectomy/hematoma distraction arthroplasty, Have adhesive probes placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate with an. Prevention Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition versus trapeziometacarpal joint replacement for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. If your joint is loose and unstable, your ligaments have probably completely ruptured. A splint will also protect the repaired tendons. AC joint surgery is used to treat injuries to the AC joint between your shoulder blade and collarbone. After thumb arthroplasty, patients should expect pain and swelling for approximately six to eight weeks. Hand Surgery Recovery Time: Pain, Exercise & Complications How Long In A Sling After Ucl Repair - BikeHike Our Surgeons' Guide to Recovering From Hand Surgery Identifying and Treating a Dislocated Finger - Healthline 2013;29(1):15-25. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2012.08.018, Jain A, Herrera FA. Theyll evaluate you and may have you undergo an X-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to see if you have a bone break, sprain or strain. CMC Arthroplasty Techniques: Tendon Transfer and More Saddle hemiarthroplasty for CMC osteoarthritis. Cedars-Sinai Staff. Theyll then perform a physical exam to assess the stability of your thumb joint and where the pain is coming from to determine if the injury is or isnt a sprain and how severe the injury is. Learn how we can help. After undergoing thumb arthritis surgery, you can expect a few things. Then, patients can return to their daily routines. Figure 1. Most studies show that surgeries for severe (grade 3) ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprains are usually successful. Arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-skuh-pee) is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A broken thumb can also cause numbness or tingling. Wajon A, et al. If you experience a thumb sprain, reach out to your healthcare provider. Shin developed the approach after learning of its success in ankle surgeries, with patients being able to bear weightand even jumpwithin days instead of weeks or months. A proper evaluation is required. Patients who undergo CMC joint arthroplasty will spend several weeks in a recovery room. How long does it take to heal ligament injury The repair process of ligament tears is different from other soft tissues. Having a difficult time grasping things between your thumb and your pointer finger (index finger). The benefits may eventually wear off as pain and malfunction return. You may be able to find relief in wearing a hand splint to support your thumb. With traditional surgery, the ligament is sutured, and the thumb is immobilized in a cast for four to six weeks. They tend to be worse on the thumb side of the hand. Non-surgical treatments, such as cortisone injections, may be enough to relieve your symptoms. Flexor tendon injuries typically occur from a cut on the palm side of your fingers, hand, wrist, or forearm. Scapholunate Ligament Repair Surgery Self-care and follow-up Wound Care Right after surgery, you will be placed in a long arm splint that includes the thumb, forearm, and elbow. (2023). The affected ligament is overstretched but not torn. The ligament is completely torn in the middle or is pulled off its attachment to the bone. It is performed under general anesthesia and may last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. After a trapeziectomy, you'll go home with stitches and a cast on your thumb. The doctors recommend a thumb joint surgery to put the bone back to its place. Reconstruct the tendon so that it connects the metacarpal bone to the trapezium. Patients who perform forceful loading and repetitive tasks with their thumb will likely require six to 12 weeks off work. Qureshi M. (2022). Thumb arthritis surgery: Types and what they involve 001) and runs (P < . Does ligament damage need surgery?
