What does Trapeziectomy mean?

What does Trapeziectomy mean?

Trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure to treat a medical condition called “thumb base arthritis”. The procedure involves removal of a small, cube-shaped bone known as the “trapezium” at the base of the thumb joint which joins your thumb to your wrist.

What causes carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis?

Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint wears away. Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of your thumb — also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

What is severe first CMC osteoarthritis?

The first carpometacarpal (trapeziometacarpal) joints are a frequent site of osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women. This osteoarthritis, which is typically bilateral both clinically and roentgenographically, may be mistaken for tenosynovitis unless its characteristic features are recognized.

What happens during a Trapeziectomy?

The surgery, called a Trapeziectomy, involves removing a small bone (one of eight which form the wrist) called the trapezium. This is situated at the base of the thumb. This provides more space for the thumb to move so that the arthritic bone surfaces are not rubbing together causing pain.

What is CMC arthroplasty surgery?

Thumb CMC arthroplasty involves removing the small wrist bone that is part of the CMC joint and replacing it with a wrist flexor tendon. During the procedure, a small incision (approximately 1.5 inches) is made over the CMC joint, and the trapezium wrist bone is removed.

Why is CMC joint so painful?

Why it is so painful is because the hand is highly innervated and occupies a large amount of sensory motor space in the brain. The CMC joint is a saddle joint and is the second most mobile joint in the human body. Often simple tasks involving the thumb create pain.

How do I get rid of arthritis in my thumb?

Treatment

1. Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
3. Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.

What happens after a Trapeziectomy?

A trapeziectomy is excellent at removing the pain of the arthritis, and with a reduction in pain, you will notice an increase in grip and pinch strength and overall function. However, the recovery from this procedure is slow. It takes most patients 4-6 months to return to all their normal activities.