UKC

I've been diagnosed as having basal thumb arthritis. It's what the consultant radiologist calls 'moderate', but it doesn't feel like it - I'm having problems gripping without pain, the affected joint is sensitive to any kind of pressure, and any kind of pinching whilst climbing is severely unreliable. I've had a range of treatments: anti-inflammatories, various physio interventions, steroid injections, and wearing a splint. None have had any noticeable effect. I'm at the point now where I'm being referred to a hand specialist for possible surgery.

I've done a little Googling on the subject but personal experience is always useful and I was wondering whether anyone out there had undergone surgery for this kind of problem, and if so whether there was a satisfactory outcome. Any advice or thoughts from others with knowledge of this condition would be welcome too.

Cheers, Bob

In reply to Bob Kemp:

I have a female climbing friend who suffered from it and who has had one thumb operated on with great success, she was back climbing as well as ever a few months later and was pain free and well pleased with the outcome. Best wishes. Tony

In reply to Bob Kemp:

What sort of surgery are you considering? Joint fusion, arthroscopic cleanup or joint replacement?

In reply to Static:
Good question - I don't know yet. I'm at the stage of choosing a surgeon and haven't discussed the options in detail. I'm interested in any information about the procedures you mention though.

In reply to tmawer:
Thanks Tony - that's encouraging.

In reply to Bob Kemp:

Ah, my sympathies! I too have basal joint arthritis, though at the moment it's in a quiet phase. I'm constantly amazed at how painful a tiny joint like this can be when it does flare - far more painful 'pound for pound' than my hip. However mine is nowhere near as advanced as yours. The furthest I've got along the line is seeing a rheumatologist who diagnosed it by a grind test - which I'm sure you'll agree, is a joy - but as yet no treatment. I expect you'll have found this little vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSA1BSSQLPA  where she describes the surgery at around 3mins. I was blown away when she said that they in fact just removed the trapezium and the gap naturally filled in! On that score, coincidentally I have arthritis issues on the other side of my hand (only the right so far whereas the thumb problem is in both hands) in the triquetral/pisiform carpal bones. The surgical treatment for this also, is to remove the offending bone...! Bit like a modern-day cure-all version of a 'course of leeches', but surely not a treatment that can go on ad infinitum!

Not a lot of help to you really, I'm afraid.

In reply to jon:

Jon, it's always a help to hear from other sufferers! I agree about the potential for pain - it's like being stabbed in the joint. Hips are definitely not in the same league! I hadn't seen the video (been searching for basal thumb arthritis not basal joint arthritis) so that's useful in its own right. It's very encouraging, so thanks for that.