Arthritis Treatments - Provided by Wright Medical Technology

Exploring Small Joint Reconstruction Corrective surgeries exist to help individuals with severe arthritis manage their disease and help improve their quality of life. Surgeries may range from synovectomy, the removal of the inflamed lining of a joint, to bone fusion, a last resort procedure that involves joining two bones so the joint can no longer bend. This information, however, takes an exclusive look at small joint reconstruction of the hands.
What is small joint reconstruction? Small joint reconstruction is the rebalancing of the structure surrounding the diseased joint. It includes soft tissue reconstruction, bone modeling and joint replacement. The success of small joint reconstruction is dependent on many factors including patient cooperation and a commitment to post-operative physical therapy. How do I know if I need small joint reconstruction? You should first talk with your family physician about physical therapy, exercise, and medications such as aspirin and a variety of anti-inflammatory drugs that may help alleviate the symptoms of painful arthritis. If you have used these therapies and still have increased pain and discomfort when doing such daily activities as turning a door knob, driving a car or brushing your hair, you may be a candidate for small joint reconstruction.	EX-ray view of arthritic hands before and after reconstructive surgery. Small joint implants shown with protective titanium grommets (right). Implants have been used successfully in the small joints of the hand and foot since 1969. Many implant recipients retain the benefits of pain relief and improved function for decades.
Who should I talk to about treatment options for painful arthritis? Discuss your condition with your family physician. Your local Arthritis Foundation is an excellent resource for educational materials and may have an established support group network to help you with the day-to-day management of arthritis. For more specific information about hand surgery or a referral to a hand surgeon in your area, you can also contact: - The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) at (847) 384-8300 or visit the Public Information section of the ASSH web site, www.hand-surg.org. - The American Association of Hand Surgeons (AAHS) at (312) 236-3307 or visit www.handsurgery.org What are the benefits of small joint reconstruction in the hand? Most patients report the relief from constant pain to be the greatest benefit of small joint reconstruction. Additionally, many patients experience increased function and less deformity of the hands, giving patients back the ability to perform routine daily activities. Will my hands be cosmetically improved after surgery? Many patients report that there are significant improvements in the "look" of their hands after surgery. Of course, hands will not return to their pre-arthritis condition. Will I need to stay in the hospital? You will need to discuss your surgery with your physician prior to the operation. In some instances, small joint reconstruction may be performed on an outpatient basis. Some procedures, however, require a hospital stay. Following surgery, for several months you will need to undergo daily physical and occupational therapy. This is to help you increase your range of motion and complete the reconstruction process. Your motivation and participation are vital to the success of rehabilitation - the more you are committed to therapy, the greater the potential benefits of surgery. Are there complications associated with small joint reconstruction? As with any surgical procedure, you must weigh the benefits against the potential risks. It is important to be fully informed and express any concerns with your physician prior to surgery.