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Thumb arthritis: Did anyone have carpometacarpal (CMC) surgery?

Posted by dmk @dmk, Oct 5, 2022

Has anyone had CMC surgery where the trapezium bone is removed and your tendons are knotted to sit in the space to cushion your thumb? If so what was your experience? Thanks in advance

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maggie1950 | @maggie1950 | Sep 8 7:28pm
In reply to @marye2 "I use a lot of KT tape, too. You tube says how to use it--probably the..." + (show)
Profile picture for marye2 @marye2

I use a lot of KT tape, too. You tube says how to use it--probably the same as you are doing now! Great to hear your "fix".

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I am interested in the taping. Do you have a picture, you tube link or anything that might help me duplicate what you are doing?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 8 8:22pm
In reply to @maggie1950 "I am interested in the tightrope approach and have not found a doctor near me that..." + (show)
Profile picture for maggie1950 @maggie1950

I am interested in the tightrope approach and have not found a doctor near me that does it and thinking about traveling to find someone experienced in this approach. Any suggestions.

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I think you can find someone in just about any major city. In Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, Health Partners, Hennepin Health Care and Twin Cities Orthopedics all have hand surgeons, specialized plastic surgeons, who use the technique.

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Mariette R. | @marietter | Sep 9 2:40pm
In reply to @maggie1950 "I am interested in the tightrope approach and have not found a doctor near me that..." + (show)
Profile picture for maggie1950 @maggie1950

I am interested in the tightrope approach and have not found a doctor near me that does it and thinking about traveling to find someone experienced in this approach. Any suggestions.

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Orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hand surgery. I had both thumbs done a year apart.

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dmk | @dmk | Sep 9 5:13pm
In reply to @maggie1950 "I am not familiar with OT prior to surgery. What do you think that did for..." + (show)
Profile picture for maggie1950 @maggie1950

I am not familiar with OT prior to surgery. What do you think that did for you?

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To strengthen your thumb and hand before surgery. My physical therapist who also does occupational therapy got me ready for surgery using a variety of ways that strengthened it prior to surgery

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maryks59 | @maryks59 | Sep 23 10:45am
In reply to @tms "Hi, I had Trapizium surgery on my right thumb a month ago. I had severe swelling..." + (show)
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Hi, I had Trapizium surgery on my right thumb a month ago. I had severe swelling in all my fingers 2 days after. I still have swelling and stiff fingers. My PT says it’s from keeping my hand in a protective state. I did move fingers the best I could due to the swelling. Now I’m scared to death I won’t get the movement back in these fingers. I’m bending them to pain limits several times a day now. Holding them up icing. Etc. it’s also my dominant hand.

Is this normal? This pic was taken 2 days after surgery.

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I swelled just like that. I still have swelling and pain 10 weeks out but it is far less each day.
Ice and elevate above your heart when you can. I know it is frustrating but, my dr. warned me it takes a great deal of PT and time to heal. My PT guy says it is a very dibilating surgery temporarily and PT is critical. It will get better.

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Mariette R. | @marietter | Sep 24 1:33pm

Swelling is our body's way if healing at first, post op.

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SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Sep 24 5:59pm

I’ve had arthroplasty on my right thumb.
4 surgeries on my left.

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fjeldbar | @fjeldbar | Sep 25 7:38am
In reply to @dmk "I had that surgery no pain anymore. Surgeon described he cuts a piece of tendon from..." + (show)
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I had that surgery no pain anymore. Surgeon described he cuts a piece of tendon from forearm and wraps it up in place of the bone. Had 6 weeks occupational therapy prior to surgery. Post op is long but in the end worth it no pain anymore. I’m one of the few patients that also required post op occupational therapy, I have a reverse total shoulder on the same arm. Very successful surgery for me with hand surgeon. I also watched a you tube video online of the actual surgery prior to having it done.

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@dmk How long was your post op? Was the surgery hand your primary hand? I have had injections for years and want to get surgery but afraid if the post surgery care.

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dmk | @dmk | Sep 25 9:48pm

Much longer than i would have thought. I did 8 weeks pt prior to surgery. Had surgery in nov and i believe it was 4 months with different versions of casts and hand splint. Surgeon said many of his patients do not need therapy after surgery but i did. My nerves were hyperstimulated and i needed desensitization and strengthening as i believe because it was on my reverse total shoulder arm but i believe i was out of everything by end of May. Surgery was worth it no pain now

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