Pyrocarbon thumb joint replacement

Posted by var122 @var122, Jan 15, 2018

I do not know anyone who has had a cmc thumb joint replacement....anyone have any insight? I am 5 days post op.

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Hello Chief! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for posting. @stoney and @var122- Is this the same procedure you had done?

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I have had this procedure done to both thumbs. I'm 60 and in good shape. operations on 11/23/2017 and 2/26/2017. I'm putting my faith in the doctor's prognosis of up to one full year of healing. It is difficult to perform tasks but I get a little advancement of mobility with each passing week.

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Hello - I am considering Stablyx on both thumbs. Left one first as it is the worst... both thumbs are bone on bone. I do administrative work - just trying to get my ducks in a row as far as how much time I would need FML. Anyone out there give a rough time line? The doctor advised I should be able to return in about one week - of course with the hand bandaged and in a splint with the thumb immobile. Is this a realistic time frame? I have been trying not to use my thumb while working... amazing how much we need that thumb!!

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@stoney

I have had this procedure done to both thumbs. I'm 60 and in good shape. operations on 11/23/2017 and 2/26/2017. I'm putting my faith in the doctor's prognosis of up to one full year of healing. It is difficult to perform tasks but I get a little advancement of mobility with each passing week.

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How long was it before you started PT? Trying to get a timeline for being out of work.

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var122: did you have your treatment/surgery done at Mayo Eau Claire, or Roch? I live in NE WI and go to Roch, with my wife, a Mayo Scottsdale retiree, for chronic problems we have. Is a trip to Eau Claire worthwhile for evaluation and possible surgery? I have appt. with hand clinic in Roch end of May, but EC is a shorter drive and I wonder about the jhand surgery there. TIA.

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@flfirechief

Hi,
I’m new to this board, I’m a 44 year old male, firefighter,bagpiper, who has bilateral cmc joint arthritis, which is now bone on bone. I’ve gone through shots which don’t help anymore, had a nerve ablation with no relief, cold laser therapy with no relief, my dr has recommended the stablyx implant. I live a few hours away from dr Orbay who invented it, so am going to try and have him do the surgery. I’m trying to get some feedback from people who have had this implant. Would you recommend it? How long is the recovery time? Seems a lot shorter than some of the other surgeries. Any insight, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

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I assist in surgeries for a living & my surgeon highly recommends taking the full 6 months to heal. Being that you & I are the same age & have a lot of "career" left before retirement, I agree with my surgeon. I had my surgery 1/10/18 & will not be going back to work until 7/10/18

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@stoney

I have had this procedure done to both thumbs. I'm 60 and in good shape. operations on 11/23/2017 and 2/26/2017. I'm putting my faith in the doctor's prognosis of up to one full year of healing. It is difficult to perform tasks but I get a little advancement of mobility with each passing week.

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3 months post op

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@mapleskoff

var122: did you have your treatment/surgery done at Mayo Eau Claire, or Roch? I live in NE WI and go to Roch, with my wife, a Mayo Scottsdale retiree, for chronic problems we have. Is a trip to Eau Claire worthwhile for evaluation and possible surgery? I have appt. with hand clinic in Roch end of May, but EC is a shorter drive and I wonder about the jhand surgery there. TIA.

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Rochester by Dr. Elhassan. I work at Mayo Eau Claire.
At the time of my eval in Oct. 2017, Mayo EC didn't offer the CMC Pyrocarbon joint replacement. I've heard that may have changed 🙂 Best to call hand ortho in EC & inquire...like I said, they may now offer it. Otherwise, I am very pleases with Dr. Elhassan & would recommend him.

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@stoney

I have had this procedure done to both thumbs. I'm 60 and in good shape. operations on 11/23/2017 and 2/26/2017. I'm putting my faith in the doctor's prognosis of up to one full year of healing. It is difficult to perform tasks but I get a little advancement of mobility with each passing week.

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Also, I would plan on 6 months off which could be evaluated as you heal...you may be able to go back sooner with restrictions. I cannot return to my job with any restrictions, therefore I'm at the 6 months post op for return to work 🙁

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@mapleskoff

var122: did you have your treatment/surgery done at Mayo Eau Claire, or Roch? I live in NE WI and go to Roch, with my wife, a Mayo Scottsdale retiree, for chronic problems we have. Is a trip to Eau Claire worthwhile for evaluation and possible surgery? I have appt. with hand clinic in Roch end of May, but EC is a shorter drive and I wonder about the jhand surgery there. TIA.

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Thanks. I think I'll stick with Roch.

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