Connect
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I've read that fingers can be fused, but they lose some of their function. That's not..."
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Mar 24 7:09am | Replies (37)
Comment receiving replies
I've read that fingers can be fused, but they lose some of their function. That's not an option I would consider except in a dire situation, because I'm a pianist.
Jim
Replies to "I've read that fingers can be fused, but they lose some of their function. That's not..."
Connect
I hear you Jim! Fusion will be my last resort - my Mom had a few fingers done, and she told me she would rather have had the pain.
I had CMC surgery on both thumbs and have full use and range of motion, no pain, and about 60% of the grip strength typical for someone my age. Also carpectomy surgery on one wrist, and again - no pain and good use. It took about a year to FULLY recover from each of these, but I had pretty good use after 10-12 weeks.
My close friend waited too long to seek a carpectomy, and had her wrists fused two years ago. Now she is consulting at Mayo about a possible wrist replacement for at least one of them because life is so difficult with little range of motion.
So, for hands, there are some helpful options short of fusion, which can extend the "useful life" of arthritic joints. A good hand surgeon can guide you.
Sue