any advice for knuckle being replaced

Any advice about hand knuckles being replaced. I have been advised two large knuckles on each hand should be replaced. For now, I am getting cortisone shots every 3 months and taking pain relievers. I am a writer, and gardener . This idea has me nervous. Not afraid of surgery, already had 2 hips and 2 knees replaced within last 4 years.

@pmcallister Wow, here's a coincidence for you - yesterday I was at a family funeral, "comparing notes" on the ugly hand braces we were wearing with my nephew's brother. He told me that in addition to his recent thumb surgeries, he has new knuckles in six fingers. Knowing I am headed there eventually, I asked a lot of questions. He said that the recovery was slow, but not really painful, and that he has 80% mobility, and is totally able to pursue his woodworking hobby without pain in those fingers.

I have not had replacements there yet, but have had a lot of hand procedures, as well as two hips replaced. I found recovery slower and more frustrating from the hand surgeries than either hip replacement or revision. Why? Because I assumed that fixing such a "small" thing would be easier. But, with hips/knees you can manage day-to-day. With a hand out of commission, life is frustrating. Do you have help at home to do everyday personal cares and household tasks?

Finally, I suggest a pre-surgery appointment with a qualified hand therapist for a THOROUGH explanation of exactly what to expect, plus many helpful suggestions of how to manage during recovery. I just had such a visit regarding my upcoming wrist replacement.

Hi @pmcallister I combined your two discussions on Knuckle Replacement, you can see them here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-advice-for-knuckle-being-replaced/

In addition to @sueinmn sharing some experiences with family members and their recovery, I'd like to invite @nancig1651 and @sparkyswife who both had questions about getting their knuckles replaced as well.

@pmcallister, you mentioned you are not afraid of surgery itself, but is it the length of recovery or what your outcome will be?

If you're scheduled for knuckle replacements in both hands, especially the index and middle fingers, the best advice is to follow your surgeon's rehabilitation plan closely, be patient with recovery, and expect that regaining strength and motion can take several months; most people find that hand therapy is just as important as the surgery itself, and setting realistic expectations about swelling, stiffness and the gradual return of function can make the process much less frustrating.

@sueinmn Thank you Sue! I am very fortunate and have a very respected hand surgeon and a rheumatologist. We live in a remote small town in NE Ontario Canada but they are at the hospital about 100 km from us. There is just mt husband and myself at home and other resources are mostly available by video conference. I have had a few hand surgeries, broken bones, trigger fingers and giant cell tumors performed by my surgeon. I am thinking one hand at a time for surgery, possibly the or which ever is in worse shape, I guess my biggest concern is I have been told the fractures are common after surgery and can be complicated. Is just accepting the condition without surgery and living with the pain a better option as I am 78. My GP will just prescribe pain meds. Thank you

@cheezwizard so far the index and middle fingers, are scheduled to be replaced in both hands. I am trying to hold off until September. My hand therapy will be by video conference as the are no resources near our remote small town. Thank you

@pmcallister For me, loss of use would be a determining factor, regardless of age. Rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic health conditions have taken enough away - I want my hands for as long as possible. I am having total wrist arthroplasty (replacement) in two weeks for that very reason.
Do you know the actual fracture risk for your specific joints?

@sueinmn Not really, DR was not specific about the actual fracture risk for my knucks, other than the the replacement knuckles could easily break. I do have very thin bones and have also broken several fingers and both my wrists. But I have had a very active lifestyle and still am active as I near 80. Thank you.