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Patient Education: Arthritis Basal Joint Arthritis Arthritis at the base of the thumb or Basal Joint Arthritis is a common condition that is often overlooked. Patients will complain of pain at the wrist and base of the thumb. Pain is present with writing and activities that require a pinch type grip such as turning a key in a door or or opening a can. Women are more often affected then men. Non operative treatment consists of modifications of activities of daily living and use of a splint that protects the base of the thumb. Writing with a pen that has a wide grip relieves the pain caused by writing. It may also be helpful to put a large head on commonly used keys as this will decrease stresses. Supermarkets often sell rubber grips that help opening jars. When these measures are insufficient in relieving pain, surgery may be considered. If x-rays show minimal joint arthritis, it may be possible to reconstruct a ligament that stabilizes the basal joint. When significant damage has already occurred, the surgical procedure, Basal Joint Arthroplasty, removes the arthritic portion of the joint. After surgery, a cast that includes the thumb and goes above the wrist is worn for four weeks. Therapy is usually necessary after cast removal. Most patients can expect to regain pain free thumb function. Complications are infrequent but real and may include the risks of: surgery, infection, problems with therapy weakness and stiffness. |
