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Anatomy of the Hand

The hands are made up of 27 bones, which are grouped into carpals, metacarpals and phalanges. Each bone is separated by the articular cartilage, which helps provide smooth gliding movements of the fingers.

What is Arthritis of the Fingers?

Arthritis develops when the cartilage wears-out, resulting in pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most commonly affected joints are the small joints of the fingers.

Finger joint fusion is a surgical procedure to remove the damaged bony ends of a finger joint followed by insertion of a prosthesis to fuse the bones back together. Finger joint fusion is performed to relieve arthritis pain in the fingers.

Finger Joint Fusion Procedure

Finger joint fusion is performed under local or general anaesthesia and usually takes about 2 hours to complete. A cut is made over the back of the finger joint, and the soft tissues and nerves are carefully moved aside to expose the damaged joint. The damaged articular cartilage on the end of the bones is removed. Next, a hollow is created in the bones and prepared to accept the prosthesis. The prosthesis is then inserted into the hollowed ends of the bones, ensuring a snug fit. A ligament nearby is then wrapped around the prosthesis to provide even more stability. The soft tissues are then stitched back together, and the hand is placed in a cast until the bone is fully healed.

Postoperative Care following Finger Joint Fusion

Following finger joint fusion, your hand will be placed in a cast for six weeks to allow the fusion time to heal. You will be instructed to keep your arm propped up to avoid throbbing and swelling. You will be prescribed medication to control any pain and discomfort. A follow-up appointment will be made with your surgeon five to seven days after the surgery to assess your progress.

Your surgeon will order physical or occupational therapy to help in your recovery. You will start with heat, massage and other hands-on therapies to reduce pain and muscle spasm. Following this, you will be started off on range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.

Risks and Complications of Finger Joint Fusion

As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved. Some of the risks and complications following artificial finger joint fusion include infection, nerve damage or non-union (failure of healing) of the finger joints. If joint movement from a non-union causes pain, another surgery would be needed to completely fuse the bones.

  • NHS
  • The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • 
British Elbow & Shoulder Society
  • Swor and D

Hospitals Attended

  • Stratford Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Arden St, Stratford-upon-Avon,
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • Nuffield Health
    Warwickshire Hospital

    The Chase, Old Milverton Lane
    Leamington Spa
    CV32 6RW
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • Warwick Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Lakin Road, Warwick,
    CV34 5BW
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • The Grafton Suite,
    Building One

    Stratford Hospital, Arden Street
    Stratford-upon-Avon
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • The Cherwell Hospital

    Oxford Rd, Banbury
    OX16 9FG
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

    (NHS)

    (Private)
  • Spire Parkway (Solihull)

    1 Damson Pkwy,
    Solihull B91 2PP,
    United Kingdom
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nuffield Health
  • 
The Grafton Suite - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Swor and D
  • Swor and D