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FINGER ARTHRITIS


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

ArthritisThe term arthritis simply refers to the condition of a joint losing its smooth cartilage surface. When this happens the two bones that make up the joint begin to contact each other. This friction and grinding causes pain, swelling, stiffness and further cartilage loss. Osteoarthritis has no special cause other than use of the joint for many years throughout life. Other types of arthritis are special inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic damage to the joint causing arthritis.

Arthritic Finger FusionMEDICAL HISTORY

The symptoms usually set in slowly over time. Eventually patients complain of lost function, pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, and sometimes deformity. The doctor will ask questions to determine whether the arthritis is post-traumatic, osteoarthritis, or a special inflammatory arthritis.

EXAMINATION

The joints are tested for range of motion, stability, alignment, and any grinding during movement.

ADDITIONAL TESTS: Plain x-rays show the degree of arthritis and any bone loss or erosion that may have happened.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL JOINT FUSIONSURGICAL JOINT REPLACEMENT
CONSISTS OFOral arthritis medications, cortisone joint injectionsCausing the 2 bones that make up the joint to become one unitReplacing the damaged joint surfaces with man made prostheses
FEATURESLimited number of injections is allowedUsed for the joints at the tip of the fingersUsed for the joint in the middle of the finger and at the knuckles
ADVANTAGESAvoids surgerySolid and durableAllows motion
DISADVANTAGESOnly treats the symptoms not the underlying bone contactNo motion, small chance of not healing or fusing correctlyProstheses may loosen or fail over time requiring replacement that is more complicated than the first time due to additional bone loss

RECOVERY

Sutures are removed in the office at 2 weeks. Fusions are protected by splints from stress until x-rays prove that healing has occurred. The screws placed in the bones to cause fusion remain in place. The time to healing may be anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. The rate of failing to fuse in the published literature is around 10%. Joint replacements must begin a rehabilitation program of limited motion early after surgery to avoid stiffness. Precaution is exercised during the first month with gradually increasing usage of the hand allowed over the next month. In the third month the hand is trained to perform normal activities with a goal of graduating from therapy by 12 weeks after surgery.
 
 
 
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  • Thanks for eveything! - 09/12/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • Wonderful experience very impressed with the care and accuracy they showed to my dad...Thanks - 01/12/11
  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
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  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
  • great service with fantastic results - 08/25/11
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
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  • amazing (: - 11/07/11
  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
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  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • very good staff - 12/07/11
  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • Very informative - 11/30/11
  • Always a great experience. - 01/13/12
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
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  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • staff in this clinic are very nice and friendly - 03/02/11
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
  • THE DOCTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS!!! - 03/03/11
  • Thank you for your kind assistance during my visit. - 11/30/11
  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
  • Dr. Henry and his staff are remarkable..very organized and informed. Everyone, including Dr. Henry, is both professional and friendly. I would and have recommended this office to anyone!! Thank you! - 08/02/11
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