Arthritis of the Hand

Joint Fusion & Joint Replacement

Your hand surgeon may suggest a joint fusion or replacement surgery when non-surgical treatments prove to be ineffective in improving the symptoms you are experiencing. Surgery helps you to return to your daily activities with ease by providing pain relief and increasing your range of motion.

A joint fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, fuses two bones together so that the joint no longer moves and cannot cause pain. It also makes the joint more stable so you can bear more weight.

A joint replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged joint with an implant made from either ceramic or metal and plastic parts to improve your function and relieve pain.

Both methods are effective in treating arthritis of the hand but it is also important to note that after any type of reconstruction surgery, a period of recovery is needed. You may have to wear a splint or cast and go through physical therapy following the surgery.

Speak to our hand surgeon today to find out if joint fusion or replacement surgery is more suitable for you.

Non-surgical Treatment Methods

Treatment options for arthritis of the hand depend on a few factors, such as how many joints are involved, your activity level, and how far the arthritis has progressed. Here are some of the non-surgical treatments your hand specialist will usually recommend first.

  • Wearing a splint – your hand specialist may prescribe a splint which helps to support the affected joint so as to ease the stress placed on it from use.
  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications – your hand specialist may prescribe NSAIDs to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the affected joint.
  • Taking injections – your hand specialist may suggest injections that contain steroids and long-lasting anaesthetic that will provide pain relief for a longer period, ranging from weeks to months.

Other Treatments