Basal joint arthritis is a condition that irritates or destroys the joint at the base of the thumb. The cartilage that normally covers the ends of the bones begins to deteriorate, allowing the bones to rub against each other. The result is significant damage that can cause severe pain and drastically limit thumb movement. Common activities such as opening jars, turning door knobs or buttoning clothing can become difficult or impossible if the condition continues to worsen.
Treatment for Arthritis
Diagnosis of arthritis at the base of the thumb is based upon a carefully performed physical examination and review of medical history with confirmation by X-rays. This allows us to stage the arthritis as early, mild, moderate or severe.
In early stages, splinting and medications may be beneficial while more severe cases may require surgery. The goal of surgery is to eliminate the pain at the base of the thumb by creating a new joint. The procedure can improve the position of the thumb, its range of motion and the hand’s strength for pinching and grasping.
Two types of surgery are currently available to us to maintain motion. The traditional surgery, useful for patients with advanced disease, involves removing the entire trapezium bone and then using a tendon from the forearm to suspend the thumb and to act as an interposition material. This is referred to a “Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition” Arthroplasty (LRTI).
In some cases it is possible to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs and place interpositional material to decrease pain and improve function.
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Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.