Specializing in Thumb Joint Reconstruction Surgery
Award-Winning Orthopedic Services in Orange County
Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects over 32 million adults in America.1 As you age, the likelihood that Osteoarthritis will affect at least one of your joints is quite common. Many people will lose function in the affected joint, but when that joint in the thumb, it can make everyday activities extremely difficult.
While most cases of Osteoarthritis of the thumb can be treated with non-surgical options such as NSAID medication (such as ibuprofen), joint immobilization, modified activities, steroid injections, physical therapy and even supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin sulfate and turmeric, in more severe cases, surgery may be the best treatment.
The most common surgery to treat osteoarthritis of the thumb is called ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty, also referred to as LRTI Joint Reconstruction. LRTI surgery remains one of the most popular procedures for thumb joint reconstruction surgery because it preserves motion while also effectively relieving pain.
Thumb Joint Reconstruction Surgery involves making an incision over the region of the thumb basilar joint and removing the trapezium (one of the bones in the thumb joint) and cushioning or suspending the thumb joint with the patient’s own tissue (flexor carpi radialis tendon) to reconstruct the joint.
What to expect from Thumb Joint Reconstruction Surgery
LRTI is typically a same-day procedure performed at a surgery center and involves general anesthesia or a regional axillary block (nerve block). Patients typically will go home with a splint to help immobilize the wrist and thumb for 2 weeks. Patients are then placed into a cast for approximately 4 weeks and then transitioned to a brace. The immobilization period can vary by patient, but typically patients can expect a complete recovery after thumb joint reconstruction surgery anywhere between 12 weeks to one year.
Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained hand specialists are experts in thumb joint reconstruction surgery to treat thumb osteoarthritis. If you have exhausted non-surgical treatment options and feel it’s time to consider surgery, schedule an appointment with a Hoag Orthopedic Institute hand doctor today to help alleviate your pain and get back to your daily activities.
Call Hoag Orthopedic Institute at (949) 890-0464 to find a hand surgeon who specializes in thumb joint reconstruction surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
At your first visit, your orthopedic hand and wrist specialist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Expect a detailed conversation about when your symptoms began, what movements or activities make them worse, and what treatments you’ve already tried.
Your hand doctor may perform a physical exam and order advanced imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to help pinpoint the source of your pain or dysfunction. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your specialist will walk you through all treatment options, from non-surgical care to potential procedures.
Most importantly, you’ll receive clear answers to your questions and a personalized plan designed to support your goals and restore hand and wrist function.
-
Scheduling an appointment with a qualified hand doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is quick and easy. You can request a consultation online or call our scheduling team directly at (949) 890-0464 to speak with a team member. Our team will help match you with the right hand specialist for your condition, preferences, and availability.
From your very first visit, our team prioritizes clear communication and personalized care. Your orthopedic hand doctor will take the time to fully understand your needs as well as answer all your questions, explain your condition, and walk you through your treatment options.
Whether you need an initial diagnosis or a second opinion, you’ll have access to board-certified orthopedic hand surgeons, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care planning.
-
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our expert hand doctors and orthopedic hand and wrist specialists provide a thorough evaluation to determine the least invasive treatment that meets your needs. Non-surgical care may include activity modification, bracing, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound, and targeted physical therapy — all designed to relieve pain and restore function.
When surgery is your best path forward, our fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons perform advanced procedures ranging from minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release to complex tendon, ligament, and joint reconstructions. Many operations are performed with robotic assistance and arthroscopic tools to support faster healing and better long-term outcomes.
Whether your pain and dysfunction are caused by arthritis, nerve compression, or a traumatic injury, our orthopedic hand doctors tailor your treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love.
-
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, your care is led by nationally recognized orthopedic hand doctors and fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists who use the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available today. From robotic-assisted procedures to minimally invasive surgery, our orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons focus on achieving the best possible outcomes with less pain and faster, more complete recovery.
Every patient benefits from personalized treatment planning, cutting-edge diagnostics, and a compassionate, collaborative care team. Whether you need a hand surgeon for complex trauma or a hand specialist treating chronic joint pain, Hoag Orthopedic Institute delivers exceptional, patient-centered care you can trust.
Our highly trained hand doctors and specialists provide expert treatment designed to meet your specific needs and goals.
.2510151138550.jpg)