Can you benefit from arthroscopic treatment for arthritic thumbs? Pain relief for arthritic thumbs is more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in technology, says Miami and New York City based orthopedic surgeon Alejandro Badia MD (Bio). Dr. Badia, a specialist in hand, wrist, and upper limb disorders, utilizes the BioPro® Modular Thumb Implant to effectively alleviate osteoarthritis in the basal joint, located at the thumb’s base. He believes these advancements in biomaterials could potentially replace the current “gold standard” surgical treatment – LRTI.

Limitations of LRTI

LRTI, typically performed as an outpatient procedure, involves removing the thumb joint’s trapezium (carpal bone) and transferring a tendon from the forearm to the trapezial space to stabilize the area and prevent joint collapse.

While LRTI is known to provide “95 percent pain relief” and up to 80 percent return of gripping strength, the surgery has significant drawbacks. “Removing the trapezium may shorten the thumb and leave patients with few other options if symptoms persist,” Dr. Badia states, noting that recovery from this surgery can also be prolonged and painful.

Alternative Surgical Options

Thumb ligament reconstruction without removing the arthritic bone can be beneficial if the patient only has a loose tendon without cartilage loss. Another common approach, basal joint fusion or arthrodesis, is often limited to the non-dominant hand due to its association with decreased range of motion, altered force transfer to other hand joints, and incomplete bone fusion at the thumb’s base, according to a 2017 Orthopedic Reviews report.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Arthritic Thumbs

Arthroscopic Reconstruction

“Arthroscopic reconstruction is another option I use for younger, high-demand patients seeking alternatives to surgery,” Dr. Badia says. “The use of Protease Inhibitors (like PRP on steroids!!) has shown promising early results in this new treatment modality.”

Advances in Joint Implants

As the population ages and remains active, more effective methods are necessary to provide pain relief from osteoarthritis while maintaining thumb strength and range of motion.

Advances in artificial joint implants, such as the BioPro®, represent a significant step forward. For instance, a February 2019 Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) study found that patients with an advanced thumb-joint prosthesis, like the Ivory® implant, experienced better thumb abduction, adduction, grip strength, pain relief, satisfaction, and faster return to daily activities compared to those who had undergone LRTI.

Benefits of Arthroplasty

“Advancements in implant design and materials are overcoming the shortcomings of older prosthetic versions,” Dr. Badia explains. “Arthroplasty of the thumb is similar to total knee or hip replacement. The thumb joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis.”

Osteoarthritis of the basal joint, often associated with aging or previous injury, is the second most common arthritic condition of the hand, affecting about 15 percent of those over 30 and one-third of postmenopausal women. This condition can cause severe pain, loss of grip function, and strength. Conservative treatments for early-stage thumb arthritis include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, thumb splinting, and physical therapy. However, these treatments cannot alter the disease’s progressive pain and deformity, leaving surgery as the next option.

Advantages of Joint Replacement Surgery

“The main advantage of total joint surgery is that no bridges are burned,” Dr. Badia adds. “If symptoms persist, the thumb implant can be removed, and another surgical procedure performed.”

Preventative Tips

Dr. Badia offers these tips to reduce the risk or delay the onset of basal joint osteoarthritis:

• Perform simple hand exercises, including finger flexing and bending.
• Take frequent breaks from tasks requiring strong gripping, such as using hammers, wrenches, or screwdrivers.
• Maintain good posture, especially when typing.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle: stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and eat nutritious foods.

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Does Arthritic Thumb Pain Limit Your Daily Activities?

You’re not alone. Millions of New Yorkers suffer from painful thumb arthritis. But relief is closer than you think! Dr. Alejandro Badia, a leading hand surgeon in NYC, offers innovative arthroscopic solutions to alleviate pain and restore function in your thumb.

Why Choose Dr. Badia for Thumb Arthritis Surgery?

• Minimally invasive arthroscopy: Faster recovery and less pain compared to traditional surgery.
• BioPro® implant: Proven technology for pain relief and improved grip strength.
• NYC-based practice: Convenient care for busy New Yorkers.
• Experienced hand surgeon: Dr. Badia is a leader in hand and upper limb disorders.

Tired of living with thumb pain? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Badia today.

Dr. Alejandro Badia, MD, FACS
Gramercy Surgery Center
380 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(929) 605-4263

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