Hype Flex
general | June 20, 2026

What is the most common complication with thumb arthroplasty?

The most common complications after a thumb arthroplasty include infection, temporary numbness along the top of the thumb, and stiffness.

Which of the following are among the many potential complications related to arthroplasty?

Possible Complications of Joint Replacement Surgery

  • Wound infection.
  • Infection around the prosthesis.
  • Blood clotting.
  • Malfunction of the prosthesis (may be caused by wear and tear, breakage, dislocation, or loosening)
  • Nerve injury (although rare, nerves in the surrounding area may become damaged during the surgery)

How long is pain after thumb arthroplasty?

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.

Is thumb arthroplasty successful?

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 happens after thumb joint replacement?

Following surgery, the thumb is padded and a splint is applied to promote healing. You may experience some discomfort and swelling. Your doctor will recommend some pain medication to help. Keeping the hand elevated above your heart can also help relieve the symptoms.

23 related questions found

What is arthroplasty surgery of the thumb?

Thumb Arthroplasty is surgery to replace part or the entire joint at the base of your thumb. Thumb Arthroplasty is a procedure that is performed on patients with advanced basilar thumb arthritis. The procedure is intended to alleviate pain in the thumb and improve function.

What is thumb CMC arthroplasty?

Thumb arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to treat arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the thumb. This surgery helps restore mobility and function to the thumb.

How long does it take to recover from thumb surgery?

In a traditional thumb joint reconstruction, the surgeon removes the trapezium — the small bone that connects the thumb to the wrist — then harvests a piece of tendon from the patient and implants it between the thumb and wrist to serve as a spacer. Patients often need three months to fully recover.

How do you reduce swelling after thumb surgery?

An ice pack applied directly to your post-operative dressing will reduce swelling and inflammation at the surgical site. Ice can be particularly helpful for the first three days after surgery.

How painful is trigger thumb surgery?

Surgery may initially cause some pain or soreness. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter painkillers for relief. Immediately after surgery, a person should be able to move their finger or thumb. Be gentle with movements at first; full movement can be expected to return in 1 to 2 weeks.

Do you need a cast after thumb surgery?

The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you will go home the same day. After surgery, your thumb will be placed in a cast for three to four weeks, followed by a plastic splint for four to six weeks. Typically, it takes between six and eight weeks to regain full movement in your thumb.

How do you strengthen your thumb after surgery?

Be sure to bend your fingers as much as you can and place your thumb around the outside of your fingers. Do this for several seconds, then straighten and spread your fingers as far apart as you can. You can also grip a ball or other round, solid object in the palm of your hand to increase resistance.

What are the risks of arthroplasty?

What are the risks of arthroplasty?

  • Bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
  • Loosening of prosthetic parts.

Which of the following is the most common complication after hip arthroplasty?

The most common complications specific to hip replacement surgery include loosening or dislocation of the implant and a slight difference in leg length.

What are complications that can occur with total right hip arthroplasty patients postoperatively?

Risks

  • Blood clots. Clots can form in the leg veins after surgery. ...
  • Infection. Infections can occur at the site of the incision and in the deeper tissue near the new hip. ...
  • Fracture. During surgery, healthy portions of the hip joint might fracture. ...
  • Dislocation. ...
  • Change in leg length. ...
  • Loosening. ...
  • Nerve damage.

When is thumb surgery necessary?

If you don't respond to other treatments or if you're barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.

What can go wrong with a Trapeziectomy?

Possible complications of a trapeziectomy

Possible problems include swelling, bruising, bleeding, blood collecting under the wound (haematoma), infection and splitting open of the wound (dehiscence).

What is hematoma distraction arthroplasty?

Hematoma arthroplasty includes trapeziectomy without interposition of any material or ligament reconstruction. Later, the same technique with the addition of a temporary K-wire stabilization of the first metacarpal has been described it as hematoma and distraction arthroplasty.

How painful is a Trapeziectomy?

People often say they experience pain when they pinch their thumb to open packets or peel vegetables, or that they don't have a strong grip anymore, due to pain. As the arthritis progresses, there may be obvious swelling at the base of the thumb, pain even when resting and a thumb that appears crooked.

How painful is CMC surgery?

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.

What does Trapeziectomy mean?

The Trapezium is a small wrist bone that lies at the base of your thumb. It is commonly affected by wear and tear, otherwise known as arthritis. Your surgeon has recommended an operation called trapeziectomy. It is the removal of this bone.

Can you drive after thumb surgery?

Your ability to drive on your own again will depend on a number of factors. The most important thing to consider is your grip strength and your hand mobility. If your hands are stiff or you experience pain when gripping or turning objects, you will need to avoid driving until you are fully healed.

Is CMC arthroplasty the same as LRTI?

Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition, or better known as LRTI, has been the traditional surgical treatment of Basal Joint Arthritis since the 1970s. The diseased trapezium bone is removed, and then typically the flexor carpi radialis tendon is cut.

What is the Weilby procedure?

The Weilby procedure is a reliable alternative to treat primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis without requiring bone tunnel creation. It achieves pain relief, stability, mobility, and strength.