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What is Hand Joint Replacement Surgery?
What is Hand Joint Replacement Surgery?
Hand joint replacement surgery is a game-changing medical procedure for people with hand joint problems.
Our hands are incredibly complex, allowing us to do all sorts of things, but issues like arthritis or injuries can make them hurt and not work well. This surgery replaces damaged joints with special parts, helping to reduce pain and restore normal movement.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what hand joint replacement surgery is all about and how it’s done.
What is Hand Joint Replacement Surgery?
Hand joint replacement surgery is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged joint in the hand with an artificial joint or prosthesis. The prosthesis mimics the movement of a typical, healthy joint.
This procedure is commonly used to relieve pain and improve joint function for individuals with severe joint damage due to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Other joint-related disorders
What are the Benefits of Hand Joint Replacement Surgery?
Hand joint replacement surgery offers several potential benefits for individuals with severe joint damage or arthritis.
The primary reasons for hand joint replacement surgery are they:
- Reduce joint pain
- Increase finger range of motion
- Improve wrist and hand function
- Improve the alignment of the joint
- Improve the overall functioning of joints
It’s important to note that while this hand surgery can offer significant benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. A thorough evaluation by a hand surgeon is necessary to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
How is Hand Joint Replacement Surgery Done?
Hand joint replacement surgery involves several steps, and the approach can vary depending on the joint being replaced, the extent of the damage, and the surgeon’s preferences.
Diagnosis
Before the surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation, including medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests. Sometimes, blood tests are also done.
This helps the surgeon understand the extent of joint damage and plan the surgery accordingly.
Procedure
The hand surgery is usually performed under anaesthesia and is done as an outpatient procedure.
To perform the procedure:
- The hand surgeon makes an incision is made over the affected joint.
- The surgeon then removes the damaged arthritic ends of the joints. The bone surfaces are prepared to accommodate the prosthetic components.
- The artificial joint components of the prosthesis are then implanted into the centre of the radius bone and are often held in place with bone cement.
- Depending on the component design, the surgeon inserts the carpal component into the centre-hand bone or screws it into the remaining carpal bone’s row. To hold the component in place, bone cement may be used. The carpal bones may be linked to secure this component better.
- Once the prosthetic components are securely placed, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures or staples. Often, a splint is applied.
Recovery
There is no Hand surgery without Hand therapy. Hand surgery is creating the possibility to move, Hand Therapy is exploiting them. A Hand therapist will work with you to gradually restore strength, flexibility, and function in your hand. You’ll learn exercises and techniques to promote healing and prevent stiffness. Splints are generally used depending on the joint replaced and how the surgery was performed.
Follow your surgeon’s and therapists’ directions to ensure the best results after surgery. Call your surgeon if you experience a sudden increase in pain, swelling, or change in function.
What are the Risk Factors Associated With Hand Joint Replacement Surgery?
Hand joint replacement surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications.
Some of the potential risk factors and complications include:
- Unresolved pain
- Stiffness in joint
- Infected wound
- Damage to nerves in the region of the incision
- Loosening of the implant over time
- Dislocation of the artificial joint
Consult Prof Dr Robert Hierner - A Thorough Hand Expert in Dubai!
With over 30 years of extensive experience in all forms of reconstructive surgeries, Prof. Dr. Robert Hierner is a renowned hand specialist in Dubai.
He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a solid track record of successfully managing numerous challenging cases. He is a leading hand and body contouring expert because of his distinctive style and attention to detail. Schedule a consultation today.
