Health Headlines
A new surgical option for arthritis patients
A specialized finger implant surgery was performed at Backus Hospital for the first time in February.
Tarik Kardestuncer, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the Backus Medical Staff, explained that the procedure itself is not new, but the implant, which replaces the second knuckle, is made of new material, called pyrolytic carbon, and is two pieces.
It is for patients with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain in their knuckles.
“We have much better results with range of motion, and it is longer lasting and more durable,” Dr. Kardestuncer said. In the past, a one-piece silicone implant had been used, but he explained this implant can break and can’t bend as much. That implant offered about 25 degrees of motion, whereas the newer implant can is closer to 75 degrees.
Dr. Kardestuncer had used the implant in Boston previously, but said this was the first time it had been done in eastern Connecticut.
“It is being done more routinely in bigger centers, but hospitals must still apply for it as a humanitarian device, as it is not FDA approved. So, there is an application and review process. I do see it increasing in the future.”
“It is similar to a hip or knee replacement, but on a much tinier scale,” he said. Patients have an increase in use of their finger, and a marked decrease in pain. “Often patients have swollen, painful fingers with limited motion, this can improve the appearance and alleviate pain, often there is no pain and near normal motion after recovery,” he said.
Glenna-Lee Clark, 59, of Norwich, has arthritis and said part of her finger joint had broken off, so it wouldn’t heal.
“I didn’t want the plastic knuckle, so I had waited a couple of years until a specialist was available,” Ms. Clark said. She works for the post office, unloading a truck and working with mail in the morning, and at the window in the afternoon. “I plan to work for at least six more years,” she said. “The plastic knuckle is only good for 10 years and then you often have to replace it.”
Three days after the surgery she said she is pleased with the results and can already move her finger. “There was not much pain, they came and changed the bandages and it is doing well,” she said. There is a tension spring on her finger so she can begin strengthening exercises.
It is an outpatient procedure, which takes about one-and-a-half hours. Four days after the surgery, the finger can be used. Patients undergo eight to 10 weeks of therapy to regain full motion
The finger is anesthetized, so for 12 to 24 hours after surgery there is no pain at all.