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

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".

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

@dmk I too have had CMC surgery - the first one over 10 years ago, the second in 2020. Both hand surgeons used the tightrope technique, which was important to me because I needed assurance of grip strength (I am a fiber artist and gardener, so use my hands extensively.) They have lasted wonderfully, the recovery was shorter by several months than my friends had with the "anchovy technique" using the FCR tendon. The pain, except during exercises, was negligible after about 2-3 weeks. Never did use any of the narco meds after the first night, relying on ice, elevation, alternating ibuprofen & tylenol instead.

I am part of a large gardening community, and this is a common operation for us - the most successful recovery was in people whose had an experienced hand surgeon, an excellent hand therapist (specially trained OT or PT), followed the recovery protocol, and continued daily therapy for at least 6 months. Also, ice, elevation & complete rest for at least 2-3 weeks to keep the swelling down, and wearing the hard splint until fully recovered were also key.

I chose not to try the Stablyx implant because the failure rate, according to my hand therapist, was higher in very small hands, which I have. I admit to being ultra-protective, wearing my thumb splints when doing heavy garden work like pull out bushes by the roots.

Sue