CaRi-heart technology
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Surgery for hand arthritis
ARTHROSCOPY AND ARTHRODESIS
Surgeons at our HCA UK hand and wrist units can help to restore mobility and reduce pain in your fingers
About hand arthritis surgery
With your fingers and thumbs are in constant use surgery can eases pain and restore mobility in an arthritic hand joint. Wear and tear can mean an increased risk of osteoarthritis in your knuckles, thumb joint and the joints at the end of your fingers.
The cartilage cushioning your finger joints can wear away over time, causing your finger bones to grind together. This makes it hard to move and causes pain. Hand surgery can often give pain relief and restore mobility. The two most common types are arthroplasty and fusion (arthrodesis).
In arthroplasty, a joint is removed from the hand and replaced with artificial surfaces made from synthetic material. This is usually carried out on the knuckles and restores shape, stability and some mobility.
In fusion (arthrodesis), two of the hand bones are fused together. This inhibits mobility but provides pain relief.
Need to know
Both arthroplasty and fusion surgery are performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure takes between one and two hours.
For an arthroplasty, a small cut is made in your hand and the worn bone ends. An implant is put in its place and the area closed.
For fusion surgery, the worn joint surfaces are sculpted to match each other, and fixed firmly together using screws or plates.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Your consultant may recommend a splint while your hand recovers from surgery. You'll have a follow-up appointment with a hand therapist after two weeks. They will help you move your hand and manage the scar. You'll have a regular follow-up appointment with the hand therapist.
Surgery for hand arthritis Consultants
Mr Henry Colaco
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Adel Tavakkolizadeh
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Simon Owen-Johnstone
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Matthew Sala
Orthopaedic Surgery
Our locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.