Trapeziectomy
What is trapeziectomy surgery?
A trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the trapezium bone in the wrist and replace with a small sponge space filler.
It is used to treat thumb arthritis and reduce pain.
What happens during trapeziectomy surgery?
During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the wrist and remove the trapezium bone, as well as the ligaments and tendons attached to the bone.
What is the recovery like after trapeziectomy surgery?
The thumb and wrist are then placed in a temporary cast for 1 week and the wound is checked, at which stage the cast is removed and a removable thermoplastic splint is fashioned.
Patients are then referred to the Hand Therapist for range of motion and strengthening exercises.
Once the wound has healed massage the scar with E45/Nivea cream or similar.
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the arthritis, but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.