Finger joint replacement removes damaged cartilage and bone in the finger and replaces it with parts made of plastic, metal, or ceramic for durability.
Also Known As:
- Finger arthroplasty
- Finger surgery
- Hand surgery
Conditions Treated with Finger Joint Replacement:
Finger joint replacement may be utilized in order to treat finger arthritis or finger pain. It is also used to treat injury to the finger.
Non-surgical alternatives to finger joint replacement include pain medications, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory steroid injections. Additionally, surgical alternatives to finger joint replacement include finger fusion and arthroscopic (minimally invasive) finger joint replacement.
Anesthesia with Finger Joint Replacement:
Finger joint replacement can be performed with either local or general anesthesia.
Potential Complications from Finger Joint Replacement:
Possible risks of finger joint replacement include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia that is used. It is also possible for patients to experience dislocation of the artificial finger joint or to find that there is little improvement in finger mobility following the procedure.
Prognosis after Finger Joint Replacement:
The prognosis for a positive end result following finger joint replacement is good.
Recovery from Finger Joint Replacement:
The total recovery time for finger joint replacement is six to eight weeks.