Hand Joint Replacement Surgery

Hand Joint Replacement Surgery in Kondapur, Hyderabad

The removal of the damaged structure of the joint and replacing it is known as joint replacement. These damaged structures are bones, tissues, cartilage, etc. The damaged tissues and bones are removed and are generally replaced with implants. These implants are made of metal or plastic. The implant fixes the range of motion.

The replacements can be inserted in the joints of the finger, in the knuckle joints, wrist joints, and at the elbow. The replacement at the middle of the fingers is known as proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and the replacement at the knuckle joints is known as metacarpophalangeal (MP). The implants cannot be placed in the thumb as the lateral forces are too high and can damage the implants. The total elbow replacement is performed by replacing the proximal ulna and distal humerus. If the arthritis is very painful in your fingertips then implants are not used as the area is too small, instead, they are fused.

When should someone opt for Hand Joint Replacement Surgery?

People with severe arthritis at the wrist and hand can opt for such a procedure at Apollo Kondapur. When the articular cartilage that helps the bone to slide smoothly over each other wears out, it can cause joint problems and you may need to undergo joint replacement surgery. The following are some of the causes:

• Pain in the wrist joint and hand.
• Swelling near the damaged area.
• Stiffness.
• Reduced range of motion.

Other indications for which one should do hand joint replacement are:

• Wrist osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Failed wrist fusion, etc.

What is the Procedure of the Surgery?

Before the Operation

Normally, you must not eat or drink on the day of the surgery. You should ask your doctor about the type of medications you can take and discuss the procedure. You will be asked by your doctor not to take any blood-thinning agents two or three days before the operation.

During the Operation

Before the surgery starts you will be given general or local anaesthesia to put you to sleep or to numb the dedicated area where the surgery will be performed. The surgeon will then open the injured joint and remove the damaged tissues. Depending on the type of problem different styles of implants are used.

To perform the surgery small incisions are made in which the instruments are inserted. The surgery is performed with the help of these instruments. Some of the implants are soft and flexible which are simply rested within the bone these are used to fix your motion. Some implants are solid and rigid which are used for bone stability.

The implants must be taken care of as any pressure or force can break or damage the implants. The implants can fail if it gets lose and had to be redone again in such cases.

After the Operation

Generally, you can go home on the same day of the operation. Ask your friends or relatives beforehand to drive you back home after the surgery. The following should be done after the operation:

• Proper dressing.
• Keep your limb elevated as it will help to reduce pain and swelling.
• You may have to wear a splint.
• Take the prescribed medicines given by your doctor.
• Don’t smoke or drink as it can slow the healing process.
• Avoid lifting anything heavy things and placing your arm in extreme positions.
• You can take painkillers if needed.

What are the Risks?

The following are the complications and risks involved with hand joint replacement surgery:

• Allergies
• Avoid any sudden motions as they can damage the implant.
• Bleeding from the operated area.
• Infections and blood clots.
• Weakness in the arm.
• Injury to the tendon, blood vessels, etc.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kondapur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

Hand joint replacement surgery is done to remove the damaged parts and replace them with healthy parts. Implants are used to treat the damaged area and to resume normal motion. The procedure is safe and involves few risks.