After having both of her thumb joints replaced with a new type of joint implant surgery, Anna has not looked back and says that the operations have changed her life immeasurably.

“I’ve struggled for years with arthritis in various parts of my body, but can honestly say that the pain in my thumbs was seriously impeding my life the most, and daily tasks became an agonising experience. I couldn’t even pop a pill out of the blister pack for pain relief as I couldn’t pinch or push my thumbs without searing pain. Instead I had to cut the pills out with a pair of scissors. I’d also had to invest in various tools to open jars and driving had become almost impossible."

Referral to specialist

“I first heard of the new thumb joint replacement surgery through my physio based in Somerset. He had heard of Alison Edwards, the specialist hand surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet, and suggested I see my GP for a referral to see her.

“Fortunately, I was an ideal candidate for the surgery and was booked in quickly on the NHS for both of my thumbs to be scanned and assessed. When I met Alison, I knew I had made the right decision. I’d explained how bad my thumbs had become and how the tingling pain was starting to affect other fingers, and how constant pain was leaving me feeling exhausted. It’s like having the worst toothache type pain in your thumbs all the time. 

"Alison showed me the replacement joint which was like a little hinge, and I felt really reassured that this was the right surgery for me."

After joint replacement surgery

“My operation went really well and almost immediately I could feel my pain and range of movements improving no end. Seven weeks later I had my right thumb joint replaced too by Alison. Now there is nothing I can’t do.

I am back to teaching and throwing clay pots. My thumbs look normal with minimal scarring and my range of joint movement is better than ever since there is no pain at all. I didn’t require physio which was a blessing and have felt instantly relieved.

I’ve recommended the surgery to other people I know – especially women – who tell me their joints have become affected during the menopause. I was lucky to have my treatment on the NHS but if I’d had to pay it would be worth every penny. The change in my life is marvellous and I don’t have to worry anymore about not being able to teach. My career is definitely back on track!”

About the surgeon

Leading Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Alison Edwards, who specialises in hand surgeries at Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet and Emersons Green, Bristol, has been making waves in the region after adopting the latest Trapeziometacarpal joint replacement procedure for patients.

Alison has now performed over 100 thumb joint replacements using the new thumb joint implants - which mimic the joint’s natural movement. She is one of a few consultants in the UK to specialise in these Trapeziometacarpal joint replacements and is in the top 10 surgeons in the country for the volume of such ops.

Alison Edwards, who trained in Geneva and Bristol to hone her skills in this area, said: “We have had great success with this new type of surgery for patients suffering with arthritis at the base of the thumb. We are able to add a replacement joint which is much quicker to recover from, and means patients can get back to their regular activities like cooking, driving and everyday living sooner than before and without as much pain as with traditional Trapeziectomies.

“I’m very impressed by how quickly patients seem to recover and have a good range of movement pain-free. In contrast, any hand surgeon knows that if you do a traditional Trapeziectomy on patients, they often go through a period of time where they wish they'd never had it done as it’s a slow recovery, during which time they're quite unhappy.”

About thumb replacement surgery

Traditionally patients are offered a Trapeziectomy operation to alleviate the pain from arthritis in the thumb basal joint by removing the bone affected by arthritis. In contrast, the new joint implant emulates more natural thumb movement and helps to eliminate pain while having minimal effect on the shape and length of the thumb. Patients can return to their usual activities much sooner and often without the need for lengthy periods of physiotherapy.

Performed under the NHS via GP referral, or privately via Practice Plus Group’s Wellsoon service which offers private surgery to self-pay and privately insured patients, the advantage of this operation over the traditional method is that it has a much quicker recovery time. It restores a stronger pinch grip and maintains the length and shape of the thumb – which is often not the case for the former method.

This newer generation of dual mobility joint replacements have been used on the continent for around 10 years, and were adopted in the UK around five years ago. It is most suitable for younger patients and those that are an anatomical fit for the implant joint which is assessed during the consultation period.

Anna said: “The surgery really is life changing. It’s absolutely brilliant! Having suffered with arthritis most of my life, and having various surgeries since the age of 13 in parts of my body, I can honestly say this is the quickest and least painful recovery I’ve had over the years! I am a pottery teacher, so using my thumbs to help mould clay is my livelihood. Before the surgery I couldn’t even open a packet of crisps without agony, now I am back to teaching everyday at my home studio. Alison, my surgeon, has really changed my life!”

NHS treatment in a private setting

Although Anna's treatment took place in a private hospital, it was paid for by the NHS. This approach is designed to use spare capacity in the private sector and reduce waiting lists in the NHS. 

You can find out more about how this works in our Guide for NHS patients who can choose an independent hospital for their treatment. 

Disclaimer

We are very grateful to Practice Plus Group – one of the hospital groups we collect data from – for sharing Anna's story with us so that we can share it with you. However, please note that PHIN only provides information, we do not recommend individual providers, so you should make sure you consider all your options before deciding on your provider.

Some patients will base their choice on the price (if they are self-pay) of the procedure, others will follow the recommendations of their private medical insurer. Other patients will focus on the consultant’s experience or something about the hospital, such as its regulator rating or location and facilities.

It is important that you research all your options and make an informed decision that is right for you. We are sharing Anna's story to give you a better idea of what your experience might be like, and so that you can ask relevant questions when discussing your healthcare options.