Michigan Hospital Services | Firas Karmo, MD | Pyrocarbon Hemi Arthroplasty For The Thumb

MICHIGAN ADDITIONAL SERVICES

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Firas Karmo, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland

THE FACTS ABOUT PYROCARBON HEMI ARTHROPLASTY FOR THE THUMB

Background

Arthritis can cause debilitating pain — even more so when it is in the thumb. It can lead to total hand pain, swelling and decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple household tasks such as turning doorknobs and opening jars.

Podcast Posted: 5/30/2008
Duration: 01:01

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Thumb arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis, occurs when the joint at the wrist and the base of the thumb develop arthritis.

Arthritis of the thumb most commonly occurs in adults over the age of 40 and also effects women more often than men.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The most common and often first sign of thumb arthritis is pain at the base of your thumb. “Patients most often notice this pain while gripping, grasping, pinching or applying force with the thumb and the fore finger,” says Dr. Firas Karmo, MD, an SJMO plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “Other signs of arthritis of the thumb include decreased range of motion, enlarged, bony or out-of-joint appearance of the joint, and a general soreness after use,” says Karmo.

If splints, medications, or injections do not relieve the pain, surgery may be necessary.

ADVANTAGES
Pyrocarbon hemi arthoplasty, a new procedure, relieves pain, and improves and or preserves motion in patients more effectively than traditional surgeries.

The diseased joint is replaced with an implant design that is similar to a patient’s natural joints, does not require fixation or bone cement and is high in strength and wear resistant.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and requires the patient to wear a splint to keep the thumb in a natural position during healing. A physical or occupational therapist will direct your recovery program.

CAUTIONS
There are risks associated with any surgery. For example, any operation regardless of site carries a possibility of infection.However, most patients are prescribed antibiotics before the operation to reduce the risk of infection.

Additional risk associated with pyrocarbon hemi arthroplasty for the thumb includes nerve damage. The nerves and blood vessels that go to the thumb travel across or near the basal joint. The operation is performed in close proximity to these structures;hence it is possible to injure the nerves or the blood vessels during surgery. However, it is extremely uncommon to have permanent injury to either the nerves or the blood vessels.

REFERRAL
Please contact the physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find a SJMO physician near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

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	Pyrocarbon Hemi Arthroplasty For The Thumb Firas Karmo, MD Posted: 5/30/2008
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