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\n\nFinger osteoarthritis is a common condition, particularly affecting women. It causes pain, deformities, and stiffness with often significant functional and aesthetic consequences.
\nThis page does not cover osteoarthritis affecting the base of the thumb (or thumb osteoarthritis), which affects the trapeziometacarpal joint and is discussed in a separate information page.
\nThe consequences of finger osteoarthritis for patients, as well as the available treatment options, are often underestimated by the medical community, which can further increase the anxiety of those affected.
\nFinger osteoarthritis develops progressively, with an earlier or later onset depending on the patient. It may affect one or several joints, on a single finger or on multiple fingers of both hands. There is no strict rule.
\nThe origin of osteoarthritis remains poorly understood and is multifactorial, although a genetic cause is highly probable. In some families, finger osteoarthritis appears to be “passed down” from mother to daughter.
\nOther factors may also play a role, such as trauma or fracture sequelae. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may also contribute.
\nCertain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout may also lead to osteoarthritis.
\nOsteoarthritis is the destruction of the cartilage covering the ends of the finger bones at the level of the joint.
\nCartilage allows each bony surface to glide smoothly against the other during movement while distributing mechanical stress evenly.
\nTreatment may be medical or surgical, depending on the stage of osteoarthritis, the functional, painful, and aesthetic impact, and the patient’s wishes.
\nNo treatment is mandatory for a functional condition such as osteoarthritis. No treatment can provide a complete cure. However, although still not fully understood, several options exist to improve or stabilize the effects of osteoarthritis.
\nNOTE: As Dr. Roure is an orthopedic surgeon, he will only be able to manage your care if there is a surgical indication. In cases of early-stage osteoarthritis, it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist first for medical management.
\nSurgery may be considered when medical treatments have failed. It may also be proposed immediately in advanced and disabling forms of osteoarthritis.
\nPain, stiffness, deformity, and aesthetic concerns are the main reasons to consider surgery.
\nSeveral surgical procedures may be proposed. They do not truly cure osteoarthritis or restore a completely normal finger, but they can significantly improve function, pain, and the appearance of the hand.
\nDepending on the stage of the disease and the expected outcome, 3 types of surgery may be considered to treat finger osteoarthritis surgically:
\n\nSurgical resurfacing with joint debridement is proposed in the early stages of finger osteoarthritis. In these cases, the joint remains mobile and well aligned (without deviation). Osteoarthritis causes painful and unsightly joint deformity. Most often, the deformity is associated with bumps on the top of the joint (Heberden’s nodes).
\nThe operation consists of removing the bony overgrowths through two short incisions. A joint debridement and skin tightening are then performed. A PRP (growth factor) joint injection is generally carried out during the same procedure.
\nThe result can only be assessed after several months. The joint may remain swollen during the first weeks, followed by significant improvement in appearance and pain.
\nHowever, osteoarthritis cannot be considered cured. This is not possible with this technique. Finger osteoarthritis may continue to progress more or less rapidly depending on the patient.
\nIn some advanced forms affecting the distal interphalangeal joint (fingertip joint), slight flexion of the finger may persist due to relaxation of the extensor tendon.
\nThe main risk of the procedure is insufficient improvement compared to the patient’s expectations.
\nArthrodesis is a procedure that consists of fusing the joint in a straight position.
\nThis operation is generally proposed in the most advanced cases of finger osteoarthritis, where the joint is already very stiff. In the vast majority of cases, the surgery involves only the distal interphalangeal joint (the joint at the fingertip).
\nBy fusing the two finger bones together, this technique allows for pain relief and improvement of the finger’s appearance. The procedure provides a straightened finger with reduced deformities and bony bumps.
\nThis improvement comes at the cost of loss of mobility in the last phalanx.
\nIn practice, finger function is often significantly improved with better grip. At this stage, strength and absence of pain are preferable to the residual mobility of the distal phalanx.
\nA short incision is made on the back of the joint. The joint is fused after removal of the cartilage destroyed by osteoarthritis and elimination of the bony overgrowths.
\nTo fuse the joint, pins are generally used until the two finger bones unite. Fusion usually occurs 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, with the use of a protective splint. The pins are then removed.
\nJoint prosthesis surgery is limited to the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Joint replacement is preferred over arthrodesis at these levels because fusion would cause significant functional impairment.
\nThis surgical procedure for finger osteoarthritis is generally proposed in advanced osteoarthritis with pain and loss of motion.
\nThe operation consists of replacing the destroyed joint with a prosthesis. Depending on the indication, the prosthesis may be made of metal, silicone, pyrocarbon, or another synthetic material.
\nPlacement of the prosthesis must be performed with precision. The earlier the surgery is performed, the better the expected outcome.
\nThe goal of this procedure is to achieve a functional finger, with little or no pain, in a durable way. However, it should be understood that the range of motion obtained often remains below normal.
\nComplications following surgery for finger osteoarthritis are rare. However, recovery is often long. To achieve the best possible results, the patient must remain motivated for the surgery, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
\nSometimes, residual pain during use may persist for several months after surgery. This pain is rarely present at rest.
\nAlthough rare and unpredictable, surgical procedures may involve risks. These risks must be weighed against the benefits compared with no treatment.
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