Have Anyone Had This Procedure Done - Removal of Part of Bone In Thumb
 

Has anyone had this procedure done.....no idea what the procedure is called....they remove part of the bone in your thumb which is supposed to make your thumb not hurt any more. Wondering if anyone has had this done or know someone who has, did it work, would you do it again, and any problems now with using your thumb?

considered it, but have not done it.

I had a procedure done on the base of my thumb called the Long Tendon Stretch about 5 years ago. It was very successful, it does not hurt now. I would definitely have it done again.

Was it done here, if so by who.

I had a right thumb resection for arthritis 5 years ago by Dr. Cynthia Harding at TVRH. Pain is gone but thumb it not properly aligned which would require another surgery. My left thumb needs the surgery but I leaned I am severely claustrophobic to a cast and am afraid to have it done.

Wife had similar procedure in Maryland 10 yrs ago when she was 65. All is well. She plays lots of golf.

It was done in Indianapolis.

I am having this procedure in a month. What has been the results of those who have had it done? My Doctor is Gloria Chin.

Thanks

If it's LRTIA (Ligament Reconstruction/Tendon Interposition Anthroplasty), I had it done on my right hand about 2 years ago. It's a quick, outpatient surgery, minimal scaring, and I had rapid healing. The surgery was a complete success. Mine was done by a hand specialist in PA.

What I wasn't prepared for was the PT that followed. I never asked, thinking it would be the traditional few weeks, I'd get info to do at home, and I'd be on my way. After the second week, I was told I was way ahead of schedule for my progress and they were really pleased. Little did I know, more weeks to follow. Hands are very specialized and I later found out, the hand is one of the most time consuming body part to rehab after surgery. I faithfully did as I was told and truly believe is why I now have far better use of my primary hand. Mine was 2 years ago and PT may have changed, be wiser than I was and ask about PT in order to be prepared.

I thank you for your information. I am to have it done in a month.

I had a basal joint replacement six years ago and my pain is gone. Before the surgery I couldn't even get my car keys out of my right pocket because of the pain. I was very diligent with my weekly physical therapy for 13 weeks after the surgery. Now I have full strength and mobility of the thumb with only an almost invisible L-shaped scar. Very happy I had the operation done.

Dr. Federowitz (aka Dan The Hand Man) in Vestal NY used the LRTI method with the new (at that time) biodegradable screws.

From MedicineNet.com:

Thumb basal joint (where the thumb meets the wrist): This joint is exposed to very high stresses with normal activities. Forces felt at the tip of the thumb are multiplied 12 times in their effect to the thumb base, thus predisposing this joint to wear. Arthritis of this joint is very common, especially in women, and frequently requires joint replacement. Attempts at silicone replacement of this joint have not been as successful as hoped due to implant failure and bone destruction. Thus, the most common joint replacement procedure for the thumb base is done with natural material. The procedure is termed the ligament reconstruction-tendon interposition procedure (LRTI). This procedure uses the patient's own tendon to stabilize the thumb and resurface the joint. LRTI provides stability and pain relief. Long-term results have been excellent. This has also been called the tendon roll or "anchovy" procedure because the tendon used is curled to form the new joint cushion.

I had a right thumb joint replacement done 6-7 years ago. They put in a piece that looks like a golf tee only the top is convex. I would definitely do it again and may have to for the left thumb. The procedure was done in Pa. in suburban Philadelphia area hosp.

I too had LRTIA for my CMC joint degeneration. I had both hands done 3 months apart. My surgeon was an Orthopediac hand surgeon. Don't settle for less. My results have been great. I am pain free and have good ROM. Yes, PT weekly for months really helped.
So glad i had it done!!! but know and thoroughly trust your surgeon.