What to Expect from Joint Fusion Surgery for Thumb Arthritis

Fusion removes the damaged surfaces at the selected thumb joint and fixes the bones in a useful position. That joint will not bend afterward. The trade-off is reduced movement there in exchange for greater stability; movement at the thumb tip, wrist and nearby joints can still support pinch and grasp.

A cast or custom splint commonly protects the thumb at first. Swelling and soreness can make buttons, keys, jars and phone use difficult. The exact restrictions depend on which thumb joint is fused and how the fixation is healing.

Plan one-handed ways to wash, dress, prepare food and work. Keep the hand elevated when swollen and follow wound, cast and splint instructions closely. Do not test the fusion by bending it or lifting before clearance.

Attend reviews so the team can assess the incision and bone healing. A hand therapist can teach exercises for the fingers, wrist and unfused thumb joints, then gradually practise pinch and grip without overloading the repair.

Call promptly if pain is worsening rather than settling, the wound leaks, redness spreads, fever appears, or the cast or splint becomes wet, cracked or too tight. Seek urgent care for blue or cold fingers, new loss of feeling, rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain that is not relieved as instructed.

Which thumb joint will you fuse, and what pinch will remain? How long will I use a cast or splint? When may I drive, work, cook and lift? Which signs show that the fusion is healing, and when should therapy start?