LRTI Surgery for Basal Joint Arthritis

[nodamidis]

I had Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition (LRTI) surgery about a month ago to treat basal joint arthritis in my thumb.  I am still having pain in the basal joint area and was wondering if there is anyone here who has had the same surgery and can tell me whether that is normal during the long recovery period.  I have an appointment with my surgeon in a couple of weeks, but I would love to talk to someone else who has had the procedure.  I

[Mammyof8]

I, too, am about 7 weeks post surgery.  I think the pain  is normal due to the fact that everything in the basil joint area was cut, removed, poked, pulled, cleaned up, reconstructed, stitched and probably a number on thing done to it that we might not want to know about.  This is a surgery that has a long recovery period (I've read it can be as long as 6 months) so don't get discouraged.  Talk to you doctor about using ibuprofen between doses of Hydrocodone.  I have found this to be very helpful with pain management.  Also, alternate hot and cold compresses.  Hope this helps.

[2angel]

I had an LRTI 6 1/2 weeks ago and it is so painful. I wore a hard splint for the 1st 2 weeks, a cast for the next 4 weeks and I am now in a removal thumb spika splint. I take it off to do the 2 exercises they want me to do. I am not too successful at moving my thumb in the direction they would like me to. I still swell off and on but a cold pack seems to help that. I feel significant pain most of the time; I do have hydrocodone to manage the pain but cannot take it as often as necessary because it makes me sleepy and I have responsibilities to tend to. At this point I am feeling frustrated that I cannot use that hand as much as I thought I would be able to. I really need my hand back!! I do not know if the pain in the thumb joint is normal at this stage but just like you I have pain.

[Ginger2981]

I just had an LRTI after having three bones removed from my wrist.  Im now 4 1/2 months out and my thumb keeps rolling toward my palm. With my exercising the base of my thumb kicks in and is painful.  He Dr. Said there is really nothing more to do short of fusing my wrist.  It just seems like it's the thumb that is loose.  Please help

[Sfreeman335]

Hi john, I am a professional guitar player and need this surgery, how did yours turn out?I am curious about the healing and how long it took to get your chops back

[JohnChristopherBayman]

I am a professional guitarist, pianist, bassist, and private teacher, and am needing this operation.  I guess I don't see anyway around it, but does anyone have experience with these instruments post-op?  My surgeon tells me that I have tendonitis, and carpal tunnel, and wants to do all three surgeries at the same time--seems frightening.  I am a 53 yr.-old male, and any comments or help in understanding this procedure would be much appreciated!  Thank-you.

[Skippygirl]

I had LRTI surgery on my left thumb nearly 3 years ago and am fixin to have it on my right thumb in about a month.  While it took a good 3 to 4 months recovery time and then still longer to slowly regain strength, it was the BEST thing I could have done.  Being right handed, I realize this next surgery will be tougher in that it will be more difficult to do things while in a cast but it is definitely a means to an end - that end being free from the constant pain.  You will probably not regain all of your fingertip strength after having this done, but when you are in so much pain beforehand, you don't have much strength anyway.  Good luck!!!  After it's all said and done, I think you'll be glad you did it.  I was!!