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Hand | Arthrosis

Arthrosis

People are getting older and older and thus their musculoskeletal system is more and longer stressed. There are signs of wear and tear in the joints, which manifest themselves as arthrosis. The joint suffers from wear and tear and its cartilage is also worn out. In principle, this is possible with any joint, but depending on age and sex, wear and tear manifests more frequently in certain places. Initially, arthrosis manifests itself in the form of joint pain and a certain feeling of stiffness.
Since a certain inflammatory component is present at almost all times, it is not easy to distinguish it from pure joint inflammation. Arthrosis usually occurs at an advanced age. But people can also suffer from the disease after accidents at a young age.

When will surgery be necessary? 

The first symptoms can often be alleviated by conservative measures. In the course of the disease, surgical interventions may become necessary in some cases, which make pain-free treatment possible while maintaining mobility. There is a wide variety of surgical techniques available. In principle, depending on the location of the arthrosis, joint replacement or interposition reconstructive surgery using tendons is possible. In certain cases stiffening is unavoidable.

As the inflammation is responsible for the pain, the initial stage is often the most unpleasant. Therefore, it is important to alleviate the pain in this phase. As a rule, this can almost always be achieved without surgical measures. However, if movement restrictions occuring in the course of the disease an operation can be a good solution. In  the initial consultation we will be able to clarify whether there is a need for an operation.

Example of Rizarthrose

What can I expect after surgery?

We will confirm the diagnosis during the initial consultation. In addition to the interview and the examination, imaging will taken into account. Conventional x-rays are often sufficient to make the diagnosis. In rare cases, computer tomography can be helpful. Magnetic resonance examinations are used in exceptional cases and for specific questions. If arthrosis has progressed only slightly, no surgical steps are usually necessary. Depending on the stage of the disease, we will develop a treatment plan that includes hand therapy, infiltrations and local measures.

What happens during the consultation?

We will confirm the diagnosis during the initial consultation. In addition to the interview and the examination, imaging will also be used. Normal x-rays are often sufficient to make the diagnosis. In rare cases, computer tomography can be helpful. Magnetic resonance examinations are used in exceptional cases and for special questions. If arthrosis has progressed only slightly, no surgical steps are usually necessary. Depending on the stage of the disease, we will develop a treatment plan that includes hand therapy, infiltrations and local measures.

What's the surgery like?

Since the surgical area is small and the postoperative phase is not pain-intensive, an operation can usually be performed without general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. Depending on the region of the joint and the technique used, the interventions last between 30 and 90 minutes. We will determine the exact surgical technique together with you during the consultation on the basis of anatomical sketches and trial implants.

What about the follow-up treatment?

Since every intervention, no matter how small, involves a certain risk of complications, certain measures should be observed. During the first few days you will feel slight pain, which can be relieved with painkillers. A certain immobilization with splints is usually recommended during the first 10 days. Already in the first days a hand therapeutic accompaniment is carried out.
Depending on the joint region and the procedure, this accompanied follow-up treatment is carried out according to a specific protocol. All after-treatments have in common the goal of early movements with great safety and freedom from pain. The follow-up treatment is already discussed in the first consultation so that you can plan the postoperative phase in advance and organise any help you may need for everyday life as well as a replacement if you are unable to work.

What are the risks?

Every intervention, however small, involves a certain risk of complications, since an operation in the broadest sense always leads to tissue injuries. A complication does not necessarily occur due to an error. Rather, the human body reacts individually and has certain tendencies to complications. The clarifying initial consultation serves to address such tendencies and to take appropriate precautions.

Risks associated with every surgical intervention

  • secondary bleedings
  • wound healing disorders
  • infections
  • excessive scars
  • thromboses
  • embolisms

The specific risks associated with arthrosis procedures depend on the technique chosen. We will be happy to provide you with specific advice as part of the surgical clarification.

Would you like to know more?

Do you have the impression that you have osteoarthritis or have already been diagnosed? We will be happy to advise you within the framework of an initial consultation on referral by your family doctor or directly with us. Please note whether you are in an HMO or other general practitioner model and inform your general practitioner.  During the initial consultation, we will work out the diagnosis together and, if necessary, take the first therapeutic steps. An operation will always take place later and should be well weighed.

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