Joint Implants for Your Fingers

Arthritis in your hands can be the most debilitating form of arthritis, affecting everyday activities such as writing and cooking. One treatment option that more arthritis sufferers are benefitting from today is artificial joint replacement surgery.

Artificial implants for your fingers, and thumb, are the latest advancements in the treatment of arthritis and hand injuries. The need for the implants compares with the need for artificial implants in the knee, hip, shoulder, foot and ankle, and spine.

The joints in your hand are cushioned with cartilage. When the cartilage wears out or is damaged, joints become stiff and bone-on-bone pain occurs.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common arthritic conditions affecting the fingers, particularly the joints known as MCP (the joints at the beginning of the finger) and PIP joints (the joints between the first two bones of each finger). The result may be painful, deformed, or poorly functional fingers.

Artificial joint implants are designed to relieve your pain and can help restore function in your hand.

Says LT Donovan, D.O., hand surgeon with Summit Orthopedics: “Artificial joint replacement surgery is not ideal for every arthritis patient, and many other treatment options are available to meet each individual’s needs, but for those who qualify the artificial implants can be an excellent solution to the problem.”

Dr. Donovan is one of eight surgeons with Summit Orthopedics who specialize and have extended training in the treatment of hand and wrist injuries and disorders.

For more information on artificial joint replacement surgery of the fingers, visit the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.