CMC Arthroplasty with STABLYX Implant

Sue, I read your post and wonder if you are avoiding metal implants due to chromium poisoning? Perhaps you can direct me to some information on implants and metal allergies or sensitivities. I am allergic to nickel and learned the Stablyx contains a small amount. Thanks!

What is "stables implant"?

No the chromium didn't enter into my consideration. I trusted the hand surgeon and 3 years ago he said the Stablyx didn't have enough of a track record to satisfy him yet. Last year I had to find a new surgeon and he said the tightrope is still his preferred method for healing time and success rate. I was very satisfied with the first thumb so I did it again.

My tightrope has titanium staples.
Sue

In reply to sueinmn…I am experiencing thumb joint issues and have had steroid shots in the past. I am wondering how the decision was reached to proceed with surgery and when it is advisable to do it? Proceed when you have no ability left or when you have only limited problems? Thank you for any assistance you can provide. @migizii

Sorry for the delayed response , I was on vacation for a few days and am just beginning to look at messages since Sunday.

Whenever I am contemplating ortho surgery the decision is made with the doctor. For thumb CMC joints it is important not to wait until the joint collapses because at that point lesser surgery may not work and a full fusion may be required. 2 of my friends ignored medical and friends ' advice and waited, not wanting unnecessary surgery. Both now have very limited use.

I made my decision after the third steroid injection only relieved pain a few weeks and I was dropping too many things. Both of my tightrope surgeries were completely successful and were done by HAND surgeons, not general ortho docs. My outstanding ortho says it's the best way to go.
Just one person's perspective.
Are you thinking about doing this soon? Have you decided which technique?
Sue

Sorry for the delayed response , I was on vacation for a few days and am just beginning to look at messages since Sunday.

Whenever I am contemplating ortho surgery the decision is made with the doctor. For thumb CMC joints it is important not to wait until the joint collapses because at that point lesser surgery may not work and a full fusion may be required. 2 of my friends ignored medical and friends ' advice and waited, not wanting unnecessary surgery. Both now have very limited use.

I made my decision after the third steroid injection only relieved pain a few weeks and I was dropping too many things. Both of my tightrope surgeries were completely successful and were done by HAND surgeons, not general ortho docs. My outstanding ortho says it's the best way to go.
Just one person's perspective.
Are you thinking about doing this soon? Have you decided which technique?
Sue

In reply to sueinmn….@migizii…I meet with the rheumatologist in a couple weeks and this will be my third shot, if I agree to do it. I will ask her to take new xrays to see if things have changed (it’s been 2 years) and then we can talk about next steps. My concern is that providers here tend to underplay issues and as a patient, it is vital to have as much information as possible and be a strong self-advocate. Thank you so much for your feedback!❤️

If you see changes (ask her to put the x-rays up side-by-side for comparison) and think surgery is in your near future, you may want to skip the shot and go to a hand surgeon. After an injection, surgeons make you wait anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for a procedure. You may want to read about "tightrope" and anchovy CMC procedures and the Stablyx implant before you choose a surgeon, then make sure the one you find does the one you prefer.

Good luck, and let me know what you plan to do next.
Sue

I just read this "I have soft tissue swelling in my thenar eminence and discomfort at the base of my metacarpal with “squishiness” with thumb rotation. I am hoping this goes away." while massaging my swollen left hand - I way overdid things yesterday without a splint or brace, and am paying today, 12 month post-op with a little discomfort...
The right hand, done 3 years ago, and equally abused yesterday, is fine - so most days I am fine, but occasionally the newer one complains, so I guess healing is not yet complete.
Good luck on continued healing.
PS, I had my hard splint cut down to wear for heavy work in the yard and house, and wear a soft one for biking, repetitive motions, etc sometimes.
Sue

4 months post surgery- EPB tendon is “catching” over the stabylx implant bump and causing discomfort that increases throughout the day. I am using kinesiotape to lift and prevent the tendon excursion which is very helpful. Will this implant bump go away???