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CMC Arthroplasty with STABLYX Implant
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (145)Comment receiving replies
Hi, my name is Jeanine. I have had CMC arthritis for about 5 years now. As many of you are familiar with I'm sure, I have done the NSAIDS, topical cream, had 5 cortisone injections in each thumb to date, wear a splint 24/7 and have come to the point where I have had enough. I have met with 2 hand surgeons, one close to where I live who is recommending the tightrope procedure and one at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who is not recommending the tightrope procedure due to its failure rate and wants to do the trapeziectomy with FCR tendon "anchovy" method which he said has the highest success rate but does have minor function and strength losses. I am torn between what to do. The hand surgeon at the Mayo Clinic said that I do have severe CMC arthritis, but also ST arthritis (scaphoid and trapezium). I have been reading all of your posts and I just don't know which to pursue and who to trust to do the procedure. I am a physical therapist and have a high demand for use of my thumbs and I really don't want to lose strength nor function. I am very concerned about that. However, as some of you have mentioned, I can't even close a ziploc bag without tears. I don't care how far I have to travel to have it done, nor do I care how long or difficult the rehab is, I just want the best outcome. Can anyone make their best recommendation?
Replies to "Hi, my name is Jeanine. I have had CMC arthritis for about 5 years now. As..."
I work in surgery and I am terrified I may have to retire. I am having a
stables implant done March 8 as from what I have read the recovery time
On the other options is just not reasonable. I work with skeletal
dynamics products regularly and trust the person who invented the
implant. Having it done by a doc I have worked with almost 20 years will
be the first time for both of us but I can have the other procedures
done if this doesn't work as you do not lose the bone. Fingers crossed!
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I was at the end of my tolerance with both hands, chose the tightrope with trapeziectomy for both, and have had zero issues. I wrangle 2 little grandsons, garden, quilt, paint... without issue. There is maybe a 10-20% loss of strength, but since I was at an 80% loss before surgery it is great. I am at 80% grasp strength after 8 months on the second. For those things that require strength, I learned to use the base of the thumb. My friend had her anchovy procedure 3 months before my tightrope, and was still trying to recover 1 year later. I was at 80% at 5 months, full recovery at about 7-8 months.
I found rigorous adherence to my therapy was key.
Sue