Arthritis & Tendonitis Surgery

Arthritis in the hand and wrist occurs when joint cartilage wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced motion. It can affect any joint in the body, and there are various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, post-traumatic, and rheumatoid arthritis.  In the hand, the joint at the base of the thumb (first CMCJ) is the most commonly operated on joint followed by joints at the end of the finger (DIPJs). Wrist arthritis can be complex and requires specialist knowledge to appropriately diagnose and treat.  A fellowship-trained hand and wrist surgeon, such as Dr Justin Parr, is best placed to assess this challenging condition.

Tendonitis, involves inflammation or degeneration of the tendons, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain, resulting in pain and limited hand movement.  Common tendonitis conditions include trigger finger and deQuervain’s Tenosynovitis.

When conservative treatments such as splinting, medications, or corticosteroid injections are not effective, surgical options may be considered. For arthritis, procedures may include joint fusion (arthrodesis), joint replacement (arthroplasty), or removal of damaged bone. For tendonitis, surgery may involve releasing or repairing the affected tendons to restore smooth movement and relieve pain. Dr Parr carefully tailors treatment to each individual’s symptoms, activity level, and functional goals, with the aim of minimising pain and restoring hand function.