Hand surgery

THUMB SADDLE JOINT ARTHROSIS – TREAT PAIN IN THUMB OR WRIST

Thumb saddle joint arthrosis is the most common form of wrist arthrosis in Germany. Around 10% of all Germans suffer from this painful inflammation of the wrists. Where the thumb begins, there is a saddle-shaped area, the thumb saddle joint. The metacarpal bone and the large polygonal bone form the joint with their saddle-shaped ends. This saddle shape is also what makes our thumbs so flexible.

This mobility becomes painful and restricted in the case of thumb saddle joint arthrosis. If the cartilage is worn down, the bones rub directly against each other. This pressure can cause bone growths to form. Individual parts of the bone become detached. The pain becomes more severe.

The origin of rhizarthrosis, as thumb saddle joint arthrosis is also known, can be completely different: a fall that is accompanied by no visible injury. Permanent, one-sided strain on the thumb saddle joint. This wears away the cartilage. This arthrosis of the hand is also caused by heavy pressure from operating heavy tools. However, it is also striking that women in particular are affected by osteoarthritis of the thumb saddle joint at a ratio of 9:1. Accordingly, there also appears to be a genetic cause.

If the thumb is swollen or even deformed, every movement becomes a physical discomfort. The pain in the thumb or wrist varies in intensity depending on the stage. If you are in pain and can no longer reach and grasp, we can advise you on all aspects of hand surgery. You can also find out about the causes and treatment options here.

Arthritis of the thumb saddle joint – conservative treatment options

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis of the hand is irreparable. Non-surgical treatment is the first treatment option. This involves immobilising the thumb saddle joint. Anti-inflammatory drugs alleviate discomfort, as do occupational therapy and physiotherapy. These measures alleviate the symptoms but do not combat the cause of rhizarthrosis. If these measures do not bring any noticeable success, surgery for thumb saddle joint arthrosis is often the treatment of choice.

Resection arthroplasty – the operation

The most promising surgical treatment for rhizarthrosis is the removal of the large polygonal bone. The removal of the large polygonal bone creates a gap between the first metacarpal bone and the scaphoid bone. During the natural recovery process, this gap is filled with scar tissue. This creates an artificial joint that allows the thumb to move with significantly reduced pain or even completely pain-free. The bones can no longer rub against each other in osteoarthritis of the thumb and the pain trigger has disappeared. This surgical method is called resection-suspension arthroplasty (RSA) or resection arthroplasty. This wrist surgery procedure takes about an hour. After the procedure, the thumb is immobilised in a removable plastic splint for 5 weeks, which allows the fingers to move freely.