What is MCP Joint Replacement/Arthroplasty?

An MCP (metacarpal phalangeal) replacement is an operation that involves removing the ends of a damaged joint and replacing them with an artificial joint or spacer. The surgeon can also rearrange tendons in the fingers to prevent fingers from becoming loose and drifting towards the little finger, known as ulnar drift. Why might I need an MCP joint replacement?

A joint replacement is often performed to relieve pain from arthritis or after a joint has been damaged due to trauma.

What are the benefits of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthroplasty?

Pain, inflammation, weakness, and loss of motion can lead to impairment in performing activities of daily living from swelling and inflammation of the lining of the joints within the knuckles. The physical deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis could make grasping and pinching nearly impossible. MCP joint arthroplasty can be prescribed in severe cases and when other treatment methods have been carried out and proven ineffective. Some benefits of MCP joint arthroplasty include a reduction in pain, the restoration of motion and mobility, and the general improvement in the function of the hand.

What are Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthroplasty/ Replacement?

During MCP joint arthroplasty, abnormal joints, and the surrounding tissue are completely cut out. New parts made of either silicone or metal will substitute for the old joints; these new joints will not cause pain when moving them. A splint or cast may fixate the hand after surgery, and patients are often required to seek rehabilitative therapy when they recover in order to rebuild strength and regain finger use.

The goals of MCP joint arthroplasty are to regenerate the function and life span of the replaced joint. Arthroplasty has been an effective treatment of MCP joint arthritis for decades, with a proven long-term success rate.

What happens before surgery?

Before surgery, we will arrange for you to see a specialist hand therapist. They will assess your hand and discuss your rehabilitation regime in more detail. This includes wearing protective splints, and they will give you advice on how to look after your new joints.

What happens after surgery?

During the first few weeks following surgery, new tissue develops around the artificial joint, creating a joint capsule. The joint needs to be kept moving at this time to ensure maximum movement following surgery. Splints are also required to be worn, which will help keep the joints in an appropriate position and prevent injury to the tendons.

What are some complications in MCP joint replacement/arthroplasty?

Some complications can include:

Swelling and stiffness of fingers
Delayed wound healing
Infection – which can be treated with antibiotics
Loosening or rotation of the joint

Is treatment necessary post-surgery?

After surgery, you will need to attend the hand therapy. You will be treated by either an Occupational Therapist or a Physiotherapist. You must attend at least once or twice weekly for the first six weeks. After this period, treatment will continue but at a frequency determined by your progress.

Your therapist will guide you on this.

Appointments:

Your first appointments will be made before your surgery, and you will receive information about these in the post one to two weeks before your surgery (if you do not receive any appointments, please get in touch with our hand therapy team on the number at the end of this leaflet). Your first appointment will be within three or four days of your operation.

At this appointment, your dressings will be removed, and lighter dressings will be applied. A resting splint will be made, and you will be advised which exercises to complete. You will then attend a few days after this to have a second splint made and to continue your therapy.

Splints:

You will be given two splints. One must be worn at all times for the first five to six weeks after surgery. One splint needs to be worn at night to rest the hand. The second splint is worn during the day. Again, unlike the first splint, this allows some movement of your fingers. You will be told which exercises to do while wearing this splint. You may then be supplied with further splints after six weeks as required. Your therapist will advise on these as appropriate. Exercise:

It is also vital to perform exercises daily at home to regain the full range of movement of the joint after surgery. You may need to allocate time in your daily schedule for your exercises to be conducted approximately every two hours to help you reap the maximum benefits from your surgery.

Wound care:

Your wounds will be viewed and dressed each time you attend the hand therapy unit. Depending on how well the scars heal, the sutures will be removed 10 - 14 days after your surgery.

How can you get the best outcome after joint replacement?

Listen to your surgeon and your therapist. Avoid overusing or "overdoing" your hand, which can damage the new joint(s).

Be sure to advise your surgeon of a sudden increase in pain or swelling, redness, heat, pain, or crookedness of your hand/wrist. Call your surgeon or therapist with specific questions about your new joint(s).

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for MCP Joint Replacement/Arthroplasty?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country. With the finest Orthopedic surgeons, specialized in MCP Joint Replacement/Arthroplasty. Tender Palm stands out as the premier orthopedic hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.