Osteoarthritis (OA) in Fingers and Thumbs | Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The metacarpo-phalangeal (joint between bones of palm and fingers) and the inter-phalange (joint of fingers) of the hand are frequently the site of Osteoarthritis (OA)(OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)) in the elderly. Such manifestations are relatively unimportant and in most cases treatment is not required.

Commonly involved joints in osteoarthritis are the carpo-metacarpal joint of the thumb and the distal inter-phalange joint of all the fingers.

Osteoarthritis Of the Carpo-Metacarpal Joint (Thumb)

This is a common affection in the elderly women but it may occur in younger persons, especially when there has been previous injury such as a fracture of the base of first metacarpal bone involving the joint.

The arthritis may seriously impair the function of the thumb.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Fingers

There is pain, on using the thumb. The disability slowly increases over the years until activities like sewing or knitting become virtually impossible.

Diagnosis when person has Osteoarthritis in Fingers

X-ray shows narrowing of the cartilage space and sharpening or spurring of bone at the joint margins.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Fingers and Thumbs

• In the early stages the condition is best left alone. For moderate symptoms a course of short-wave diathermy may be tried.
  Sometimes the injection of hydrocortisone into the joint may give worth-while relief.
• Operative treatment- if the symptoms become disabling operation is advised. The choice lies between arthroplasty and arthrodesis.
• Arthroplasty is done simply by excising the bone affected and allowing the resulting gap to fill with fibrous tissue. It gives results that are very satisfactory for the usual elderly sufferer from this disorder and is the method of choice in most patients.
• The use of prosthetic implant is probably better avoided. If heavy use is to be demanded of the hand in young person (e.g. laborer) arthrodesis of thumb joint is sometimes preferred.

Osteoarthritis (OA) Of Inter-Phalange Joints

• This leads to pain and stiffness especially in the distal inter-phalange joints. Characteristically the formation of osteophytes is a prominent feature with appearance of ugly swelling known as Heberden’s nodes.

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