Arthritis hand surgery Perth
Arthritis surgery for the wrist, hand and fingers in Perth
Arthritis in the wrist, hand or fingers can make everyday tasks painful. Opening jars, turning keys and gripping objects may become harder. People may feel weakness or that they have lost strength. Many people manage symptoms with splints, hand therapy, exercises or medication. If these are no longer effective, surgery may be an option to ease pain and improve function.
At The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth, we assess arthritis thoroughly and talk through the options in a practical, realistic way. The aim is to help you understand what is causing the pain, what treatments may help, and whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.
Not all arthritis is the same
Arthritis is a broad term. In the hand and wrist, the two main types people hear about are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the more common wear-related type of arthritis. It occurs when joint surfaces gradually change over time, leading to pain, weakness, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Even though the cause is different, both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect function in the wrist, hand and fingers. Surgical options are available for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The type of surgery depends on the location of the arthritis and which joints are involved.
Arthritis treatment Perth
When arthritis hand surgery may be considered
Surgery is not the starting point for most people with arthritis affecting the hand. It is usually considered when symptoms are impacting on day-to-day life and other treatments are no longer effective.
That may include:
- ongoing pain
- stiffness that limits movement
- weakness with grip or pinch
- joint deformity or poor alignment
- Instability
- difficulty with work, hobbies or everyday tasks
The right procedure depends on which joint is affected, how advanced the arthritis is, your symptoms, and your level of function (what you need your hand or wrist to do). Imaging such as X-rays and CT scans are used alongside a full examination to plan treatment.
Hand and wrist arthritis surgery
Types of arthritis in the hand and wrist
Symptoms and treatment options often depend on which joint is involved and how advanced the arthritis is.
Arthritis in the wrist
Wrist arthritis can make everyday activities uncomfortable. Lifting, pushing up from a chair or carrying shopping bags may cause pain. Some people notice a dull ache. Others experience sharp pain, stiffness, reduced strength or a clicking sensation.
If non-surgical treatments are no longer helping, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on which joints are affected and how advanced the arthritis is.
Options may include arthroscopic treatment, partial wrist fusion, total wrist fusion or other reconstructive procedures. The aim is to reduce pain and improve stability and function in the wrist.
Base of thumb arthritis
Base of thumb arthritis is one of the most common forms of hand arthritis. It affects the joint at the bottom of the thumb, which is used for pinching, gripping and twisting.
People often notice pain when opening jars, turning taps, using keys or gripping larger objects. Over time, the thumb can feel weak and tasks that used to be easy can become difficult.
If splints, therapy and other non-surgical treatments are no longer sufficient, surgery may be considered. There are different surgical approaches depending on the joint changes and the individual. The main goal is to improve pain and restore more comfortable thumb function.
Arthritis in the fingers and hand
Arthritis can also affect the finger joints and other joints in the hand. This may lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity or difficulty making a fist, gripping objects or using the hand for fine tasks.
Surgery for finger or hand arthritis depends on the joint involved and what the person is hoping to improve. In some cases, the focus is pain relief. In others, it is better alignment, stability or movement. Options can include joint fusion, joint replacement in selected cases, or other reconstructive procedures.
This is why a proper assessment matters. Two people can both have “hand arthritis” but require very different treatment plans.
Arthritis arthroscopy
What happens in arthritis hand surgery
The details depend on which joint is being treated and the type of procedure planned. The goal is usually to reduce pain and improve how the hand or wrist works.
Some hand and wrist procedures are done using arthroscopy. Small incisions are made and a camera and fine instruments are used to treat the joint. In other cases, a more open approach may be needed to correct alignment, stabilise the joint or remove damaged tissue.
During the operation the wrist and hand surgeon works carefully around the joint to address the changes caused by arthritis. This may involve stabilising the joint, reshaping the joint surfaces, performing a fusion or, in some cases, a joint replacement.
Arthritis surgery may be done under general anaesthetic or with regional anaesthetic and sedation. The choice depends on the procedure and the individual. Most people go home the same day or after a short stay in hospital.
Arthritis hand and wrist recovery
Recovery and results
Symptoms and treatment options often depend on which joint is involved and how advanced the arthritis is.
Arthroscopic resection arthroplasty for arthritis at the base of the thumb
Arthritis at the base of the thumb is very common and can be treated using arthroscopic techniques. The procedure involves using a small camera and burr to remove the damaged bone surface from the joint. This procedure is called ‘arthroscopic resection arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint. After this surgery the thumb is supported in a splint for a short time while the joint settles. It is normal to have some swelling and tenderness during the first few weeks. Gentle movement often starts early with help from our hand therapy team. Many people return to lighter daily tasks within a few weeks. Strength and comfort tend to improve slowly over the following months.
Wrist fusion and joint reconstruction surgery
Partial wrist fusion surgery, total wrist fusion surgery, or joint replacement for hand or thumb arthritis usually involve a longer recovery. The wrist or hand is protected in a splint or cast while the bones heal or the joint stabilises. Hand therapy is an important part of recovery. It helps keep nearby joints moving and rebuild grip strength. Progress is usually gradual and improvement may continue for several months.
Surgery Risks
All surgery carries some risk. Wrist, thumb and hand arthritis surgery may involve infection, bleeding, stiffness, nerve irritation or ongoing pain. Some joints remain stiff even after healing. Bone healing can also take longer in some cases. There are also small risks linked to anaesthesia. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will talk through these with you before the operation.
Hand and wrist surgeon Perth
Next steps
Ongoing pain in the wrist, hand or thumb from arthritis can slowly start to affect everyday tasks. A specialist assessment helps identify which joint is involved and what treatment options may help. Early advice can sometimes prevent the condition from progressing and may reduce the need for more complex surgery later.
The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth provides assessment and treatment for wrist arthritis surgery, base of thumb arthritis surgery, and hand arthritis surgery. Our team operates at several Perth hospitals including Bethesda Hospital in Claremont, Hollywood Hospital, South Perth Hospital and Sundew Day Surgery.
Hand and wrist arthritis therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Will arthritis surgery stop the arthritis from progressing?
Arthritis surgery does not remove the underlying condition. The aim is to address the changes that have developed in the joint. Surgery may reduce pain, improve stability and help the hand or wrist work more comfortably. Ongoing care such as hand therapy and activity adjustments may still be helpful after surgery.