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3 weeks post left thumb arthrodesis (fusion) with pinning =left first CMC trapeziectomy ligament tx

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KarlenZ
KarlenZ

Im 3 weeks out from having L thumb arthrodesis with a pin going thru my thumb to help the joints fuse, then I suffered from aftermath of torn ulnar collateral ligament for years, with severe first CMC arthritis, they also did a  Trapeziectomy with abductor pollicis ??? Ligament transfer.  First 10 days I was in a huge dressing up to my elbows.  10 day appointment surgeon took x-rays and said everything looked good.  Weird to see that Pin running down the center of my thumb joints and the little empty place where the trapezium used to be.  I think Postop he said he also put some kind of implant in there.  aAt the Post op appt. he also explained that he  took re:  the Basal joint arhritis, 1st CMC arthroplasty, trapeziectomy and ligament work with abductor ... Ligament that he used that ligament and kind of went back and forth with it to build a sling to work to stabilize the thumb to the hand.  

I'm in a hard cast which comes off on 6/18.  Last visit he said I can drive but I find I can only drive say 1 trip or errand ... (learned the first time driving after I went to 3 places on an errand and had a lot of pain).  I know PT will start after they remove this 2nd hard cast and full recovery may take months.   What I am surprised by is the level of pain in my wrist thumb and hand area, especially if I do a lot, even if it's primarily with the other hand.  

Did anyone else have nthese 2 procedures. Thumb arthrodesis (pinning of thumb to fuse the joints)  and First CMC arthroplasty with trapeziectomy and ligament ... abductor pollicis somenthing or order interpositiion (like a sling)? ... Sorry the actual medical terms are on documents I filed away and I'm too tired right now to go find lol.

I would love to hear of others who have had both procedures.  

 Thanks - KarlenZ

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  • Donna7349
    Donna7349 KarlenZ

    Posted

    I only had the cmc with tendon reposition. I had it on May 4.  I was in a cast like thing for 11 days and then a personalized plastic immobilizing brace for 4 weeks.  After that I started OT.  First 4 weeks was nothing but massaging area and stretching exercise. The past 2 weeks we started strengthening.  I am still in a ton of pain especially the forearm area where the tendon was harvested. I know I’m getting stronger; however, I still have pain no matter what I try to do-using girl, trying to cut, washing hair, etc etc. Have to use left hand for most tasks.  In fact, I’m having joint pains in my thumb and other fingers that I never had before.  Even though my dr said it would be 6-12 months, I’m Feeling discouraged. 
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