Basal thumb arthritis, also known as thumb base osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition affecting the joint at the base of the thumb, called the trapeziometacarpal joint. This condition can cause various symptoms that typically affect the mobility and function of the hand. Here are the common symptoms of basal thumb arthritis.
Pain at the base of the thumb is one of the most characteristic symptoms of basal thumb arthritis. It can be mild at first and worsen gradually over time. The pain is often felt when you use your thumb to grip or pinch objects.
The joint at the base of the thumb can become stiff, making it difficult to bend, extend, and rotate the thumb. This stiffness can limit the ability to perform daily movements.
Swelling of the affected joint can occur, usually in response to the inflammation caused by arthritis. This can make the joint painful and increase stiffness.
People with basal thumb arthritis may experience a decrease in thumb grip strength, which can affect their ability to grip objects firmly or perform demanding manual tasks.
Some people may feel or hear a rubbing or cracking sound when the joint is in motion. This is due to the wear of the joint cartilage.
In advanced cases, basal thumb arthritis can lead to a visible deformation of the joint, with an increase in the bump at the base of the thumb.
Due to pain, stiffness, and loss of strength, activities that require frequent use of the thumb, such as writing or gripping objects, can become difficult.
It is important to note that the symptoms of basal thumb arthritis vary from person to person, and the severity of the condition can also vary. If you have symptoms similar to those described above and suspect basal thumb arthritis, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically an orthopedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon, or a rheumatologist. Treatment may include conservative measures such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in more severe cases, surgery to relieve pain and restore joint function.
If conservative treatments no longer provide pain relief, surgery may be the only option for relief. The use of a joint implant can be a preferred option for treating basal thumb arthritis when the standard treatment, such as trapeziectomy (removal of the trapezium bone) or ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), is not appropriate or desired by the patient. Here’s how a joint implant can be considered as an option:
Before considering the use of a joint implant, the surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the patient. This will include an assessment of the severity of the basal thumb arthritis, joint mobility, grip strength, patient's age, activity level, and personal preferences.
The surgeon will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of all treatment options, including trapeziectomy, LRTI, and the use of a joint implant. The patient will be fully informed of the advantages and limitations of each option.
If the patient prefers to maintain thumb mobility, a joint implant may be chosen. The Maïa implant is designed to restore joint function without burning surgical revision options.
During the procedure, the surgeon flattens a portion of the damaged trapezium to incorporate a metal cup. This cup will serve as a bed for a ball joint that articulates with the cup. This joint implant is designed to replicate the natural movements of the thumb joint.
After surgery, a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy will be necessary to help the patient regain thumb strength and function. The surgeon will provide specific recommendations for rehabilitation. Recovery following Maïa implantation is generally faster than that of trapeziectomy or LRTI.
Joint implants have a limited lifespan, and the patient will need to be regularly monitored by the surgeon to monitor the condition of the implant. If necessary, surgical revision may be considered if the implant becomes worn or if complications arise. At this point, trapeziectomy or LRTI may be considered.
The use of a joint implant allows the patient to maintain greater mobility in the thumb joint compared to trapeziectomy or LRTI. However, it is important to note that joint implants are not suitable for all cases of basal thumb arthritis, and the decision to use this option should be based on an individual evaluation of each patient and a thorough discussion with the surgeon.
The design of the Maïa™ trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis is the result of several years of practical experience by a group of surgeons who conducted clinical trials. One of the studies demonstrated a 98% survival rate of the prosthesis after 9 years of implantation¹.
Its features include:
– A hemispherical cup implanted in the trapezium
– A modular neck
– An anatomical metacarpal stem
– A porous titanium and hydroxyapatite coating for long-term fixation
It offers a complete range of implants with the choice of single or dual mobility.