The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Small joint replacement surgery
When arthritis affects your knuckles or the base of your thumb, surgery to replace your joint with an artificial one can prove an effective solution to relieve pain and restore movement and function.
About replacing a small joint
Small joint replacement surgery is usually carried out on the hand. It can provide pain relief when arthritis affects your knuckles or the base of your thumbs, and restore movement and function.
Artificial joints tend to be made from rubber, metal or plastic and pyrocarbon (an extra-strong material).
Radial head fractures in the elbow also benefit from small joint replacement surgery. This is where the end of the upper arm bone fractures within the elbow, and is usually caused by a fall or accident. Replacing the radial head with an implant reinforces the joint and makes it stable.
Need to know
Finger joint replacement is an option when arthritis causes pain in the hand. You'll be treated as an outpatient and will go home the same day. Any excess cartilage, tissue and bone is removed from the area, along with the worn joint itself.
It's replaced by an artificial joint, which improves the function of the finger and reduces pain. Radial head replacement is carried out under general anaesthetic. An incision is made to the side of the elbow and damaged bone is removed. The consultant will work out the size of implant your body needs, and cement it into place. They will then check the implant fits properly and the area will be closed up using stures.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. If general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. You many need revision surgery for the hand joint surgery for example.
After hand surgery, your hand will be in a plaster splint. To avoid swelling, the hand will need to be raised above the level of the heart for the first few days. It will take around three months for the swelling to settle. You'll be able to drive a car and return to work after two to three weeks.
After radial head replacement surgery, your elbow will be covered by a bandage. You'll be given pain relief and will need to elevate the arm to reduce swelling. A week after surgery, a physiotherapist will suggest some exercises to help you move your arm. Full recovery should take three to six months.
Our Small joint replacement surgery locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA 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
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
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.