Your Happy Family

Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis

  • What are the usual symptoms of thumb basa joint arthritis?

    • Patients with thumb basal joint arthritis usually experience discomfort near base of thumb and muscular area of the thumb. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness and loss of strength. Activties of daily living such as opening jars and turning knobs can be painful and difficult.

  • What causes thumb basal joint arthritis?

    • Thumb basal joint arthritis also referred as osteoarthritis is caused by a degenerative wear and tear to the joint surfaces. Gentics, diet, exercise and prior injury all play a role in causing this common joint condition.

  • How is thumb basal joint arthritis diagnosed?

    • Dr. Rubin can usually diagnose thumb basal joint arthritis after listening to your complaints and examining your hand. X-rays are performed in most cases and can aid in the diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

  • What treatments are available for thumb basal joint arthritis?

    • There are a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment measures for thumb basal joint arthritis. Non-surgical treatment measures include custom splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, diet and exercise. Injection of medication into the joint can frequently provide temporoary relief of symptoms. Surgical treatment is available and depends on the age  and activity level of the patient, the  stage of the condition and the sevrity of the symptoms.

  • How succesful is surgery for thumb basal joint arthritis?

    • In cases of early arthritis, surgery can help to either stabilize or realign the thumb basal joint. This can reduce pain and in some cases delay the progression of the arthritis. For advanced arthritis, surgery can provide significant pain relief and improved function.

  • What types of surgery are performed for thumb basal joint arthritis?

    • Dr. Rubin performs several different procedures for thumb basal joint arthritis depending onthe age and activity level of the patient and the sevrity of the arthritis. Surgical procedures for early arhritis include ligament reconstruction to stabilze the joint and extension osteotomy to realign the joint. Surgical procedures for advanced arthritis include basal joint arthroplasty with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) as well as thumb basal joint replacement arthroplasty.

  • What types of activities can I participate in during and after treatment?

    • We encourage our patients to be as active as possible during their treatment because active patients recover more quickly. Dr. Rubin will help determine which activities are safe and beneficial to your recovery. Do not undertake strenuous activities without first consulting your physician.