What is tendon interposition surgery?
LRTI (ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition) is a surgical procedure that is most commonly conducted to treat thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) arthritis where the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated.
Which tendon is used for CMC arthroplasty?
Description of Technique The thumb CMC joint arthroplasty is performed using an FCR tendon for ligament reconstruction combined with removal of the distal half of the trapezium, which is replaced with a life preserver-shaped spacer that is carved out of allograft cartilage.
What tendon is used in LRTI surgery?
Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) with the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon is one of the most common procedures for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. We modified the LRTI, using the palmaris longus (PL) tendon instead of the FCR tendon.
How successful is thumb arthritis surgery?
Pros: Removing the entire trapezium eliminates the possibility of arthritis returning and, according to Dr. Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.
What can I expect after thumb arthritis surgery?
The first 6 weeks are tough with pain, weakness, and stiffness in the thumb. Most patients have minimal pain by 3 months after surgery. Your symptoms will continue to improve with improvements in ability to do more activities every 3 months.
What bone is removed during a CMC arthroplasty?
Thumb CMC arthroplasty involves removing the small wrist bone that is part of the CMC joint and replacing it with a wrist flexor tendon. During the procedure, a small incision (approximately 1.5 inches) is made over the CMC joint, and the trapezium wrist bone is removed.
What can you not do after thumb surgery?
Avoid any heavy gripping, pulling, or pinching with the thumb until your surgeon or therapist says you may do these things. When you leave the surgery center, you should have a follow-up already 10-14 days after surgery.
Is basal thumb surgery painful?
You will generally have no pain, and the numbing medication usually lasts about 8 or more hours, so you will leave the surgery center with no pain. How long the block lasts is very variable, but the anesthesia team will give you an estimate.
Can arthritis in the thumb be cured?
While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.