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CMC Arthroplasty with STABLYX Implant

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (145)

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@ras65

Hi! I'm new to MCC.
I'm a recipient of the Stablyx implant on my left hand. I'm a 55YO dad of twin 4YO boys. I've worked with my hands all of my adult life.I was bone on bone. I consulted with an ortho doc, who wantes to do the "anchovy" procedure, by removing part of a tendon from my wrist. I did extensive research and discovered that procedure was not the best for someone my age, as active as I am. Limited ROM, limited strength. At best, I'd have to get it re-done every 4-6 years.

Then, during my research, I stumbled upon the Bio-Pro Modular thumb implant. The idea of near full-strength, pain-free use of my thumb was promising. Also, shorter recovery sounded good. I called the mfr and they put me in touch with a sales rep, who also trains the docs to do the procedure. The closest qualified hand surgeon was an hour away. He preferred the Stablyx, because it preserves the trapezium. I had the procedure done, with the hand therapy, but was still in pain with swelling and very limited in what I could do...all year. My doc did advise me in advance- sometimes, it's necessary to go back in and clean out scar tissue. I waited almost a year to give my thumb the best chance for recovery, before deciding to go under the knife again. I had scar tissue removed and also a small bone spur removed this past December 28th.

Today, there is significant pain and swelling and limited ROM. I am seeing the surgeon again tomorrow for follow-up. Also, I am getting a second opinion (keeping the promise to my Wife!) from Dr. Jorge Orbay, the hand surgeon who helped design and develop the Stablyx with Skeletal Dynamics. Hopefully, Dr. Orbay will say all is fine and continue with therapy. If I need another surgery, so be it. My advice: Do your research. I still believe the implant is the best way to go. Maybe I'm simply an impatient patient! It's been just over 6 weeks and I was hoping for better recovery at this point. Time will tell! I'm curious to hear other testimonials!

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Replies to "Hi! I'm new to MCC. I'm a recipient of the Stablyx implant on my left hand...."

Ras65
I'm anxious to hear how you are doing.
I too have severe CMC arthritis in my left thumb. 60 y/o with high demand (surgeon,plays guitar and golf)
I've had 14 total steroid injections into the joint over 3 years and with time the injections have become much less effective to the point where I have pain all the time. I cannot take NSAIDS because of a kidney issue.
I have a similar path to the Stablyx having investigated the anchovy procedure and the BioPro implant.
I had a consultation with Dr Orbay and he recommended this procedure to me but it's only been around a short time and I could not find any reliable literature on it's long term success.
I don't think you should be having such a long post operative course with continued pain.
I hope you'll give me good news and tell me Dr. Orbay helped you and your doing better