Joint replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with a new, artificial one. Artificial hand joints are typically made from a type of silicone rubber, ensuring they are as pliable and flexible as possible. In some cases, portions of an individual’s own tendon or other tissue might be used to construct a new, healthy joint.

Having a joint replaced in the hand can:

You may be a good candidate for joint replacement if you have a severely damaged joint due to an injury or a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Several things could be required before a joint replacement, such as:

Anesthesia will be administered through a syringe, ensuring your hand is numb. You will lie on a table with your arm resting comfortably on an armrest. A barrier is placed between your body and hand so that you cannot see the surgeon at work. You may notice some movement (for example, gentle vibrating), but will not feel the surgeon make any incisions.

Expect to be under local anesthesia anywhere from one to two hours.

A splint will be added to provide stability and should be worn until after your follow-up exam. This will take place in 10 to 14 days, during which time your stitches may also be removed. During this period, you should keep your hand elevated above your heart as much as possible to reduce fluid buildup.

Visible scars are very possible after hand surgery; however, a scar revision is typically very successful when it comes to reducing or eliminating those scars.

You will notice some improvement after removing your splint; however, the healing process is rather long, so full results might not be seen for several weeks.

Joint replacements are intended to provide you with permanent, long-lasting results.

If your hands are also thin and wrinkled, you may want to consider a fat transfer and injection procedure to help fill them out.

Because you may have different needs than any other patient, we will not be able to discuss the exact cost with you until after your consultation. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are always accepted for any of the procedures we offer, and many of our patients will also qualify for low-interest financing.