Thumb fusion surgery

[MerielPB]

Hi, I have been offered surgery to fuse my thumb joints. The joint at the base of both my thumbs is very bent (I think they call it hitchhiker's thumb). The surgery means they fuse the joint into a more natural position. Post-op I will not be able to move that joint, not that it's particularly mobile at the moment! I'm in 2 minds about whether this is worth doing. Has anyone had this surgery? Was it useful or did it make no difference? Do you regret having the surgery or was it really worth doing?

Thanks in advance

[BoneyC]

Not had any hand surgery but would only have it if the pain was unbearable. After 52 years of the disease my fingers are deformed with restricted movement but I can live with that.

[MerielPB in reply to BoneyC]

Thanks. That's what I'm wondering - as I manage is it worth going through the aggravation of surgery? The orthopaedic surgeon implied it wasn't.

[Maggsie]

I had this done on my right thumb almost 30 years ago. It was the first joint to fail post diagnosis. I have a plate in mine which holds the joint in place and did significantly improve the stability of the joint and the pain I was experiencing.Over the last few years I've been struggling with the upper joints in both thumbs and if necessary I would accept another fusion to improve the pain and stability.

[Bessieboo1]

I had my right thumb fused in 1992, It took several months to settle down and I ended up having to have 2 joints fused. It has worked really well and I am so glad that I had it done. I am having lots of problems with my right wrist now but I wouldn’t hesitate in having that fused when the time comes. Good luck. Xx

[MerielPB]

Thank you Maggsie & Bessieboo1. You've certainly given me something to think about.