Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty is an open surgical procedure in which a joint with irreparable damage or deterioration caused by arthritis or trauma is replaced with a man-made joint. In milder cases the joint may only need to be debrided or “cleared out.” Arthroplasty of the hand and wrist is normally an outpatient procedure.
Basilar Joint Arthroplasty is performed in instances where Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis has rendered the joint extremely painful and seriously compromised. During the procedure, arthritic bone is resected from both sides of the joint and tendon resurfacing is performed instead of using man-made parts. Post-operative care includes splinting and occupational therapy.
Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint Arthroplasty is used in instances of severe cartilage damage, arthritis and joint misalignment. Usually synthetic joints are implanted when arthroscopic debridement is inadequate. Splinting and occupational therapy are necessary in the post-operative recovery.
Osteocapsular Arthroplasty of the elbow is indicated when the elbow joint is damaged by arthritis and injury so that the ends of the bone rub together, causing pain and stiffness. Limitation of motion and pain are usually helped by arthroscopically loosening tight, contracted ligaments, removing bone spurs, and by sculpting the ends of the humerus, radius and ulna in order to more closely approximate normal anatomy. Recovery includes splinting and physical therapy.
Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty is indicated when the joint is severely damaged by arthritis or injury and is used as an alternative to joint fusion to alleviate pain and improve function in the affected area. Usually, synthetic joints are implanted when arthroscopic debridement is inadequate. Splinting and occupational therapy aid in the post-operative recovery.
Wrist Arthroplasty is indicated when the cartilage of the joint is so damaged by arthritis or injury that the ends of the bones rub together, causing great pain. The damaged parts of the radius, ulna and carpal bones are removed and the prosthetic joint put into place with screws and bone cement. Recovery includes splinting and occupational therapy.