intraOsseous injection for osteoarthritis of thumb

@pepsi2 I had the traditional arthoplasty surgery on my thumb. They removed the Trapezium bone, and packed it with my own tendon.
It wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had 😳 but 10 years later, I still do not have any pain.

While I’m not familiar with that procedure, I’ve been considering PRP injections for my bone on bone CMC arthritis. However, Medicare doesn’t cover the procedure.

@pepsi2 I see a few people have already responded to your questions.

Let me tell you a little about my experiences with the CMC (carpal-metacarpal) joint in both thumbs. My orthopedic surgeon is a wizard with cortisone shots, so he would ease my pain with targeted injections, but he told me eventually they would work for a much shorter time, and then I would know it was time to repair. (I went to a hand surgeon for the operation.)

I had a version of the surgery called "tightrope", where the trapezium bone at the base of the thumb is removed. Then the bones are fixed in place with a wire and 2 pins while the area heals and fills with scar tissue. This is a variation on the older procedure, where a piece of tendon was harvested and inserted. The healing time is shorter, and the results equally good or better. Total immobilization was only 2 weeks, then I got a removable splint and therapy commenced.

I won't lie, therapy was more work than you would expect for one little joint. I was fully recovered, with good grip strength and NO pain in less than 6 months. I was painting and sewing long before that time. In fact, I was already taking a painting class while my friend who had the traditional surgery was still in her immobilizer. Years later, I still use the splint when doing really hard labor, mainly to remind myself that I am not Superwoman, and I really don't want to break anything.

CMC surgery can give you back your life if you are a person who loves any activity that requires extensive use of your hands. Just don't wait too long, until the bones become to damaged for repair.

Sue

Yes, my doctor charges $1,200 for the procedure; but frankly, if I really have no down time, this amount is worth it to me. I'm told that I will have no bandages and can use my hand immediately for normal activities. The good news is that since they use my own blood, there is no chance for rejection or side effects. It does take 6 weeks for my hand to start feeling better; but since I live alone, no down time is very important to me. If I have it done, it will be mid-October and will report back so you can know whether to consider it. Thanks much for your input.

Interesting. I have looked into CMC joint (base of thumb) fixes. I did see a joint replacement but I'm too old and have osteoporosis so I'm not a good candidate. You are correct the surgery that replaces the tripezium bone has a very long recovery.
I have never heard of the intraosseous before do you have a reference I would like to look into it.

I tried to send you the websites that explain about them, but apparently I am now allowed to do this so they deleted my reply a few days ago. You can either google it or give me your email address, and I will send you the information that way. You might be able to find it under Jorge A Gonzalez MD in Ft. Lauderdale. Then put in intraOsseous injection. There is a center in Boston also that does this.

Thanks I'll check it out