Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes inflammation in areas where bones meet. Arthritis may be characterized by swollen joints, joint pain, finger stiffness, and difficulty moving. If the arthritis is in the base of the thumb it can affect the patient’s ability to grasp, hold, or turn. Non-invasive treatment for arthritis of the hand may include anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, injections of pain reliever and/or steroid combinations, splints or sleeve devices, and heat/cold treatments. If these approaches do not provide sufficient pain relief, Dr. Sammer may recommend arthritis surgery, which can involve replacement or fusion of painful arthritis joints to relieve the pain. Types of Arthritis Surgeries Performed by Dr. Sammer
- Thumb Base Arthritis Surgery: The LRTI operation treats the arthritic joint at the base of the thumb and restores pain-free movement. Patients experience relief from the aching or sharp pain that often occurs with twisting and pinching activities, and even at rest.
- Joint Replacement: This procedure is call arthroplasty. In this surgery, Dr. Sammer removes the damaged joint completely and replaces it with an artificial implant, in order to relieve pain and restore shape and function.
- Joint Fusion: This procedure is called arthrodesis. In this surgery, Dr. Sammer fuses together the bones of the arthritis joint to create a knuckle that is stronger, more stable, and pain-free.