Finger Joint Replacement for osteoarthritis

I have severe osteoarthritis in my fingers, and recently had middle finger and ring finger joint replacement (knuckle).  It's been 5 weeks now and my fingers are still pretty swollen.  My middle finger is crooked now (was not before surgery) and joint feels really large.I asked the Dr about it being crooked and he said that sometimes happens with finger joint repkacement. I'm wondering if this crroked finger is going to cause me more problems down the road.  The joint also protrudes on the left side.  The finger looks as bad as it did before surgery and is painful.  The incision has not completly healed and middle finger still has a little drainage.

 

lgj,

I understand your concerns.  Post op therapy supervised by a trained hand therapist is almost always required after any joint replacement surgery, usually for several months. Special splints are generally used depending on which joint was replaced and how the surgery was done.

Follow your surgeon’s and therapist’s directions carefully; excessive use or “overdoing it” with your hand can damage the new joint(s).

Be sure to call your surgeon if you experience a sudden increase in pain or swelling, or if your hand or wrist becomes red, hot, painful or crooked.

Call your surgeon or therapist if you have specific questions about your new joint(s

Sounds like you are advocating well for yourself so keep it up and let us know how you are doing.

Kindly,

Kitt