Posted by Barbara on October 26, 2000 at 21:44:53:

In Reply to: Re: Thumb joint replacement posted by jon on July 14, 2000 at 12:07:01:

: : Arthritis has caused a degeneration of my right thumb joint where it meets the hand. Injections don't last. My doctor is talking about a thumb joint replacement. Has anyone out there had this procedure? What does it involve? What are the results? Thanks.

: Had this joint replaced wed of this week (2 days ago). am typing left handed;pls forgive errors.
: be aware there is a new procedure in addition to the traditional one of using a vestigial tendon
: which is rolled up to form a new cartilege. this new procedure uses a titanium ball and plastic
: (possibly ceramic?) socket. first dr i talked to didn"t even mention this option, so glad i got second opinion.
: the latter procedure, which i got, involves longer recovery (about 2 wks more) but should give
: more strength, i'm told. painful so far, but that's expected. will be worth it. i am a professional
: pilot so need all strength/mobility possoble. only bad part so far is that doc won't even
: consider a return to work (non-flying duties) until i see him in 2 wks.
Consulted two hand surgeons and neither mentioned a ball and socket replacement. Are there
any doctors in Western New York doing this procedure?

: injections/anti-inflammatory didn't work for me so am delighted if this works. good luck.