Hand and Wrist Arthritis

• Joint pain, swelling
• Stiffness in the hands
• Nodules or cysts on the hands
• Joint deformities

Your hand surgeon will discuss many surgical options for treating arthritis of the hand and wrist. The decision for surgery is usually made after all other treatment options are exhausted and pain has not improved.

• Joint fusion is done when the pain from movement in an arthritic joint is no longer tolerable. A joint with worn surfaces that does not have a replacement option may be fused so that it is no longer movable.
• Joint reconstruction such as a CMC arthroplasty or suspensionplasty
• Joint replacement is a way of resurfacing the worn articular surface and restoring the joint space.
• In the cast of rheumatoid arthritis, damage can occur to the tendons and other structures as a result of the bone and joint destruction. In these cases, there are surgeries for transferring tendons to restore or improve function to the hand and wrist.

Orthopedic surgeries for the hand and wrist arthritis are successful at reducing pain and restoring function. These are specialized surgeries performed by hand specialists. Therapy is often needed to help with returning to normal daily activity.