Trapeziectomy

How Does Osteoarthritis Happen?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint. Osteoarthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint. The bone underneath becomes damaged, causing joint pain, stiffness and weakness.

The Procedure

What Are the Benefits of Surgery?

The main benefit of surgery is to relieve pain and so improve how your thumb works.

Are There Any Alternatives to a Trapeziectomy?

A splint often helps by restricting the movement of your thumb but you may find that a splint makes it difficult for you to perform normal activities. A steroid injection into the joint can reduce pain in most people but the symptoms usually come back after several weeks or months. It is possible to replace the joint with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic but most thumb joint replacements have a high failure rate and can also cause pain. For young and active people with no arthritis below the trapezium, it may be better to have an arthrodesis (where the thumb bones are permanently fixed together using screws).

What Does the Operation Involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. 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. Your surgeon may construct a ligament to connect the thumb to your wrist using a tendon that runs over the trapezium.

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications of Any Operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin

Specific Complications of This Operation

Continued numbness or pain
Damage to the artery that passes near to the trapezium
Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your hand

Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home the same day. Keep your hand raised for 2 weeks.

The bandage or cast will be removed after 4 to 6 weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Your thumb should continue to improve over the next year as you get back a good range of movement.

Summary

Osteoarthritis at the base of your thumb can cause pain when you use your thumb and prevent you from performing normal activities. A trapeziectomy can relieve the pain and so improve how your thumb works.

For more information on a Private Trapeziectomy procedure, call New Victoria Hospital on 020 8949 9020 or use our contact form.

Keep this information document. Use it to help you if you need to talk to the healthcare team.