Reclaim Your Hands from the Pain of Arthritis. 

Chronic arthritis in your hands and wrists can make the simplest tasks feel monumental, stealing your independence and joy. We offer advanced surgical solutions designed to significantly reduce pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life. 

You Don’t Have to Live with Debilitating Arthritis Pain. 

Living with arthritis is a daily battle against pain, stiffness, and a progressive loss of function. The frustration of being unable to button a shirt, turn a key, or enjoy your hobbies is real, as is the fear of the condition worsening over time. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are advanced surgical solutions that can offer lasting relief and help you regain control of your life. 

Identifying the Cause of Your Joint Pain. 

Osteoarthritis (OA)

• Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the most common form. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Without this smooth cartilage, the bones of the joint rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. It frequently affects the base of the thumb, the fingertips, and the middle knuckles. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. In RA, the immune system targets the lining of the joints (synovium), causing chronic inflammation. This inflammation can eventually destroy cartilage and bone, leading to joint deformity and a significant loss of function, often affecting the knuckles and wrists. 

Is Surgery the Right Path for You?  

The decision to have surgery is significant and collaborative. It should only be entertained when all other non-surgical options have been completely exhausted. It may be the right option for you if: 

• Your pain is severe and no longer managed effectively by non-surgical treatments like medication, splints, or injections. 

• You have experienced a significant loss of function that interferes with your daily activities, work, or hobbies. 

• You have progressive joint deformity that is affecting your hand’s alignment and stability. 

Modern Procedures to Restore Comfort and Movement. 

Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) 

• In this procedure, the damaged, arthritic joint is removed and replaced with a precisely engineered artificial implant or in some cases the joint is reconstructed using some of your own expendable tissue structures elsewhere in the arm. Joint replacement is designed to relieve pain while preserving or restoring motion, and is a common, effective solution for certain joints in the hand, especially the knuckles. 

Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion) 

• Joint fusion is one of the most reliable procedures for eliminating the pain of arthritis. It involves removing the damaged cartilage and permanently fusing the bones of the joint together so they can no longer move. While fusion eliminates motion at the affected joint, it provides a strong, stable, and durable platform for pain-free use of your hand. There are some joints (especially in the wrist) that do not require a lot of motion so fusions are a good option. In other areas like the fingers, motion is critical and joint replacements are preferred in most cases. 

Wrist Salvage Surgery 

• For advanced wrist arthritis, “salvage” procedures are designed to provide pain relief while saving some motion, serving as an alternative to a complete wrist fusion. These complex reconstructions are tailored to your specific condition and can be a life-changing option for maintaining function. 

The Importance of Meticulous, Function-Restoring Technique. 

Successful arthritis surgery is a delicate balance between relieving pain and preserving as much dexterity and function as possible. The intricate anatomy of the hand requires a deep expertise in complex reconstruction. Dr. French’s background as a Harvard-trained reconstructive plastic and microsurgeon brings a refined and meticulous approach to these procedures, ensuring every aspect of your joint reconstruction is handled with precision to achieve an optimal functional outcome.