What is OA thumb base?

You may be experiencing pain at the base of the thumb during activity, particularly when pinching. The thumb base may be swollen and misshapen; you may have lost grip and range of movement. OA is a chronic pain that has occurred over time, causing wear and tear to the joint. 

When OA develops in a joint, the cartilage gradually roughens and becomes thin, and the bone underneath thickens. The bones at the edge of the joint grow outwards in bony ‘spurs’ and excess synovial fluid can be produced, causing the joint to swell. This can mean that you avoid using these joints, subsequently causing the surrounding muscles to weaken. In severe OA, the cartilage can become so thin that it no longer covers the joint surfaces, and damage is caused to the bone ends by them grinding against each other during movement. This can, over time, change the shape of the joint, creating a deformity, as the joint is no longer held in its natural position.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by clinical examination, and x-rays will be required to ascertain the level of arthritis in the joint.

What causes OA?

This condition is most common in women but can affect men. Often there is a family history of the condition or it can be as a result of an injury.

Management

If symptoms are mild then sometimes the pain can be managed with splints, exercises, pain relief and steroid injections, as well as task modification and other joint protection techniques. Please liaise with your therapist if you wish to discuss any of the above.

If pain is persistent and not manageable with the above management then surgery may be suggested.

Risks of surgery

As with any surgical procedure there are associated risks. These will be discussed with you by your doctors when they list you for surgery.

Trapeziectomy Surgery

The most common surgery is removing the bone called the trapezium at the base of the thumb. Soft tissue is folded into the space and secured and tightened to keep the thumb aligned. Often extra support is provided by part of a tendon. The thumb is immobilised initially in a cast/splint. How long you stay in the cast will depend on the type of surgery and on the surgeon. The surgery is performed as a day case procedure and a nerve block will be undertaken.

Post-operative management

After surgery your hand will be dressed and a temporary cast applied. Keep the arm elevated on a pillow when you are able. Some pain after your operation is normal; this should settle over time. Keep your shoulder, elbow and fingers moving.

At two weeks you will have a wound check and either a plaster cast reapplied or a splint fitted dependent on your surgery/consultant.

Cast

If you have a cast reapplied you will be in the cast until you are 6 weeks post op. Please continue to work on keeping your fingers, elbow and shoulders moving. When your cast is removed you will be provided with exercises to move your thumb and wrist. You may be provided with a splint dependent on pain levels. You will be encouraged to use your hand for light activities.

Splint

If your consultant wishes you to be in a splint you may have a thermoplastic splint fabricated for you. You will need to wear this until you are 6 weeks post op. This splint is heat-sensitive so be cautious of completing tasks where heat is involved. If your splint becomes too tight/loose or is rubbing please contact your therapist for this to be altered. Do not try to amend it yourself.

You may be provided with a different splint and if so instructions will be provided by your therapist.

You may be provided with gentle exercises to start when you are fitted with your splint. These exercises will mean removing the splint and moving your thumb and wrist to help you to regain movement. If you have not been provided with exercises then remain in the splint full time.  At 6 weeks you can start to complete light activities with your hand and continue or start exercises provided.

Cast and splint

At 8 weeks you may return to driving if you are able to grip the steering wheel, manage gears and handbrake and perform an emergency stop. Don’t drive if your hands feels weak and you may not be able to manage these tasks.

We will advise you on further exercises to encourage range of movement and start to gently strengthen your hand again.

For guidance regarding work please speak with your therapist who can guide you in regards to your specific case.