Interview with Dr. Christian Deml by the newspaper RG Gesundheit about rhizarthrosis treatments (DE)
“Sudden pain in the wrist may indicate osteoarthritis of the thumb”.
“Rhizarthrosis, as the name suggests, is a saddle-shaped joint and its cartilage lining allows fluid movement in the various bone axes”.
“The corresponding joints and musculature enable the complex and fine motor functions of the hand: bending, stretching, tightening and loosening. Only when mobility is restored does it become clear how important the functions of the hand are. When pain occurs especially in the example where you reach for a thin bottle and you can no longer grip it, you realize that there is a problem, some kind of inflammation or arthritis. With rhizarthrosis, you often hear rubbing and grinding noises. In some cases, the hand may become harder and not fully functional due to the inflammation”.
“In many cases, conservative treatment with splints and physical therapy is effective. In an advanced stage, the wrist may be removed and function restored with tendoplasty, and freedom from pain can be achieved. Another alternative is the replacement of the Thumb saddle joint replacement with a prosthesis. Thumb saddle joint can be replaced. This artificial joint with two kneecaps restores the mobility of the thumb saddle joint and, most importantly, restores freedom from pain”.
“The aim of this operation is to restore the function in everyday life and to regain the grip strength regain”.
