Thumb Joint Reconstruction

When the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of the bones becomes eroded away as with osteoarthritis, the joint can be irreversibly damaged. And although conservative treatments can relieve some of the symptoms, severe cases may still require surgical means, specifically thumb joint reconstruction. 

The most common surgery to treat osteoarthritis of the thumb is called Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition arthroplasty, or LRTI Joint Reconstruction. A same-day procedure, LRTI surgery uniquely preserves the motion of the thumb, while relieving the associated pain. During the reconstruction, the small bone known as the trapezium at the base of the thumb is removed, and a nearby tendon is reoriented to act as the new cushion for the arthritic thumb joint. Part of the damaged ligament is also removed and replaced with a portion of your wrist flexor tendon. Given the extent of the surgery, recovery can be anywhere from 12 weeks to one year.