Hand joint replacement (hand arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure aimed at replacing damaged joints of the hand with artificial implants. The procedure allows restoration of joint mobility, relief of pain, and return of functional hand use for everyday activities.
Indications for hand joint replacement
- Rheumatoid arthritis leading to progressive destruction of hand joints.
- Osteoarthritis causing joint deformity and chronic pain.
- Post-traumatic conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament injuries.
- Ankylosis — loss of joint mobility due to long-standing inflammation.
- Avascular necrosis resulting in collapse of articular surfaces.
- Severe joint deformities causing significant impairment of hand function.
Goals of hand joint arthroplasty
- Pain relief and improvement of quality of life.
- Restoration of mobility in hand joints.
- Improvement of fine motor skills and grip function.
- Prevention of further joint deformity.
Types of implants
- Silicone implants: provide flexibility and are suitable for low-load joint function.
- Metal implants: offer higher strength and are used in joints exposed to greater mechanical stress.
- Combined implants: incorporate metal, silicone, and polymer components to optimize durability and function.
How the procedure is performed
Preoperative preparation
- Comprehensive patient evaluation, including X-ray, MRI, or CT imaging of the hand.
- Laboratory blood tests and consultation with an anesthesiologist.
Anesthesia: the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery.
Surgical steps
- Removal of damaged articular surfaces.
- Preparation of the joint cavity for implant placement.
- Insertion and fixation of the joint prosthesis.
- Intraoperative imaging control to confirm correct implant positioning.
Completion of surgery: suturing of the incision and immobilization of the hand using an orthosis.
Rehabilitation after hand joint replacement
Immobilization: wearing a splint or orthosis for 2–4 weeks.
Physical therapy:
- Gradual exercises to restore joint mobility.
- Individually tailored programs to strengthen hand muscles.
Physiotherapy: magnetotherapy, laser therapy, and electrical stimulation to accelerate tissue healing.
Load control: avoidance of heavy manual activity during the first postoperative months.
Regular medical follow-up: monitoring implant condition and recovery progress.
Advantages of hand joint replacement in Belarus
- Relief of chronic pain.
- Restoration of hand mobility and function.
- Improved quality of life.
- Use of modern implants with long-term stability and durability.
Hand joint replacement is a modern and effective treatment method that relieves pain, restores joint mobility, and enables patients to regain functional use of the hand in daily life.
The procedure is available in leading clinics in Belarus, where specialists apply advanced technologies and modern implants to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.
