Arthritis (including joint replacement)

Degenerative disease of the joint (osteoarthritis) as well as inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) cause pain, limited range of motion and functional loss of the upper limb. These are common at the base of the thumb, after intra-articular fractures of the wrist, but can involve any joint.

Degenerative changes may include masses (such as ganglion cysts).

The treatment of joint disease includes anti-inflammatory medication (orally or injected into the joint), splints or therapy for the treatment of pain. When the pain and limitation are persistent and cause daily loss of function – surgical intervention is possible. There are several options for joint arthroplasty, depending on the joint involved.