What is the STT joint of the hand?
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint or scapho-trapezium/trapezoid (STT) joint, is pain at the bottom of the thumb. The pain can be worse with activities that require pinching, such as opening jars, turning door knobs or keys, and writing.
What is STT arthroplasty?
Abstract. Symptomatic scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal (STT) joint osteoarthritis may occasionally require surgery. In the absence of dorsal midcarpal instability, acceptable results may be obtained by an excisional STT joint arthroplasty.
How successful is thumb surgery for arthritis?
Pros: Removing the entire trapezium eliminates the possibility of arthritis returning and, according to Dr. Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.
How does a Trapeziectomy work?
A trapeziectomy involves removing the trapezium, a small bone in your wrist. Your arm may be numbed using a regional anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic may be used. Your surgeon will make a small cut on the back of your hand at the base of your thumb, and remove your trapezium.
How do you treat STT?
Operative treatment consists primarily of fusion of the STT joint, although alternatives include trapeziectomy, fibrous arthroplasty, and prosthetic replacements. When STT arthritis is coexistent with carpometacarpal arthritis, excision of the trapezium and proximal 2 mm of trapezoid has been recommended.
What is STT joint arthritis?
STT arthritis. This is arthritis occurring between three bones in the wrist; the Scaphoid, the Trapezium and the Trapezoid. It can lead to pain and stiffness in the thumb and wrist.
When should I have thumb surgery?
If you don’t respond to other treatments or if you’re barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.
Do you need a cast after thumb surgery?
After surgery, you will be in a bulky dressing (bandage) with a plaster splint that covers your thumb, wrist and forearm. The splint is similar to a cast. The splint can not be removed and must be kept dry.
How long does Trapeziectomy surgery take?
The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes. Your surgeon will make a small cut on the back of your hand at the base of your thumb, and remove the trapezium.
When is a Trapeziectomy needed?
A trapeziectomy is commonly performed for arthritis of the thumb that does not improve with conservative treatment options, including: Activity modification: Resting and avoiding painful activities, especially repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching, can reduce inflammation in the thumb to promote recovery.
What does STTJ mean?
Patients usually present with pain at the base of the thumb, the carpo-metacarpal (CMC joint). The most common joint to be involved is the 1st carpo-metacarpal joint (1st CMC J), also called the trapeziometacarpal joint. The Triscaphoid or scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid joint (STTJ) can also be involved.
