United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Does anyone know anything about finger joint replacements. I'm down to Erb's in the right hand and arthritis getting worse in the left. I am at a point that i can't bend my fingers and am in a lot of pain. Any ideas? Below is my X-ray from today. I thought my middle finger was broken. It's only arthritis. I've heard finger joint replacements don't last more than 10 years. does anyone know of any new breakthroughs?
Thanks
Pat

Three views of the left hand.

Findings. Advanced and diffuse degenerative arthritis of the
distal interphalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. The
articular surfaces of the distal interphalangeal joints of the
thumb, long and small fingers are severely deformed. The distal
interphalangeal joint of the ring finger is ankylosed and moderate
degenerative changes are seen in the remainder of the
interphalangeal joints. The metacarpo phalangeal joints and wrist
show relatively normal appearances

I've seen MCP joint(knuckle joint) replacements, but I have not seen DIP or PIP joint replacements(joints in your fingers). People seem to do ok with them.

The bottom line about all joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder, finger) is that they only last about 10-15 years, shorter if you are an active person. That's why doctors will patients to wait until they can't stand the pain anymore to have their joints replaced.

I've just finished clinicals in physical rehab and have not heard of any new material for joint replacements that last longer.

I think if your hand is severly painful and your function is greatly limited maybe it would be worth it.

Becky

Thanks for the information. It is extremely painful and Cannot bend my fingers enough to write . It's become dissicult to pick up a cup of coffee , brush my teeth take a shower. i am just really concerned about the 10-15 year limit on the joints as I am in my 50's. However if my quality of life will be improved for 10 years, it may be worth it.
My other concern is having that arm immobile and the other arm Erb's. I don't think I can manage everyday tasks let alone going to the bathroom, getting dressed etc.

Your arm will not be immobilized. One of the hallmarks of joint replacement is early mobilization. You will be encouraged to move your fingers within days to prevent adhesions and muscle/joint contractures.

I would suggest making an appointment with an upper extremity specialist. They could really break it down for you and help you weigh pros and cons.
Becky

Pat have you tried OT? I would suggest seeing a hand therapist and see if you can make any progress that way. I have seen a couple of severe arthritis patients with my OT who is also a hand therapist and she is able to decrease their pain and increase their function quite a bit. Might be something to check into before doing a joint replaccement.
Good luck and I hope your pain goes away!!! Maybe try a moist heat pack for the pain?
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Because I have absolutely no cartilege left in my finger joints, there isn't a lot --ther than hopefully some adaptive equipment that will help. I am making an appointment with a hand speciaist to see what my options are. I had my index finger fused years ago and although it isn't painful now, it has minimal mobility. I want to be able to write my name and brush my teeth without pain--but also to be able to pick things up and maybe sew a button on a shirt.
I'm thinking about going on disability again--it's just that I enjoy working and tend to get lazy when i just sit home.
Thanks for all your advice. Sometimes a listening ear helps more than all the Dr's on earth.
Thanks
Pat

Pat
I don't know what to say. A few years back a hand specialist told me I needed joint replacement in my hands.
He also did not recommend I do it until I just could not move at all. He said they were difficult operations. I hear such conflicting reports on their success rate.

I can't use my hands anymore now that all of my fingers are affected. Well, my ring finger and pinky on bpi hand are not but they are weak.

I was looking into OT hand specialist to see if this could help with the pain and movement.
Good Luck what ever you decide.

Kath robpi/adult

Kath,
I can't move my middle finger or thumb. My index finger is fused so I can't move the middle joint. they say 10-20 years for the finger joints. Hopefully if I have it now, something new will be availble in 10 years.

This is so frustrating as you well know. Sure wish I knew the answer. bionic fingers would be nice. I hate being this limited. The big problem is how to function for the first week or 2 without the arm.. Sure would n't want to go to a nursing home just becuse I couldn't manage bathroom ,shower ,etc. Yuk!