Joint Replacement Hand Surgery What You Need to Know

If you’ve been experiencing issues with the joints in your hands or wrists, joint replacement in Glasgow may be ideal for you. The primary goals of this surgery involve reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing your quality of life. Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for those who have tried non-surgical treatments without success. 

Common conditions that may require joint replacement surgery include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.

Elanic Hospital is Glasgow’s premier medical provider, offering you the services of a caring staff that has been trained with the most advanced technology and cutting-edge procedural techniques available. To learn more about how we can help you skip the queue and get the care you need, reach out to our Glasgow offices and set up your consultation today.

What Is Joint Replacement Hand Surgery?

During joint replacement hand surgery, your surgeon will make an incision in your hand and remove the damaged joint. They will then insert an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both.

This new joint will be designed to mimic the movement of a healthy joint, allowing you to move your hand more freely and comfortably. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. After the surgery, you will need to rest and recover for several weeks before returning to normal activities.

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Is This Procedure Right for Me?

Joint replacement hand surgery may be recommended for patients who have severe arthritis in the hand that has not responded to other treatments such as medication or physical therapy. It may also be recommended for patients who have suffered a traumatic injury to the hand that has damaged the joint. When you visit us for your consultation, we’ll get to know your issues and help you understand the solution that’s right for you. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the location and severity of the damage to the joint and may involve:

  • Thumb joint replacement
  • Finger joint replacement
  • Wrist joint replacement

Preparing for Your Surgery

Before your surgery, you’ll visit our welcoming offices in Glasgow for your initial consultation. This will be an important opportunity for you and your surgeon to get to know each other, so you can understand exactly how they will be addressing your issues and helping you find the relief you deserve.

You’ll get to ask any questions you might have about the procedure itself, which your surgeon will explore in detail along with you. They’ll explain the surgical techniques that will be used to address your infirmed joint, give you a clear idea of what the surgery will entail, and help you understand what to expect after surgery.

The Day of Your Surgery

On the day of your joint replacement in Glasgow, you’ll arrive at our private surgical center and get situated with our coordination team. You’ll be given anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure, which involves your surgeon making an incision in your hand to access the joint that needs to be replaced. The damaged joint will be removed and replaced with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. After the surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia. You will then be discharged to go home, depending on your surgeon's instructions and your overall health.

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The Recovery Process

It’s always our goal to ensure that our patients enjoy total peace of mind during their time with us, and we’ll prepare you for the recovery process during the consultation appointment that takes place in advance of your surgery. We’ll help you understand what you can expect in terms of discomfort, how to limit your activities, and how to ensure that you recover quickly.

Once you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll need to follow a strict post-surgery care regimen that includes keeping your hand elevated to reduce swelling, applying ice packs to the surgical site, and taking pain medication as prescribed. You’ll also need to avoid using your hand for any strenuous activities and refrain from lifting heavy objects.

Physical therapy is also an essential part of the recovery process after joint replacement hand surgery. Your therapist will work with you to improve the range of motion, strength, and flexibility in your hand by using various techniques such as massage, stretching, and exercises to help you regain full use of your hand.

Welcome to Elanic

For more than 10 years now, Elanic Hospital has been offering patients in Glasgow and the surrounding areas timely and efficient access to advanced, independent healthcare. We understand that medical issues can be stressful and frustrating, and we understand that waiting in a lengthy queue only makes that stress and frustration worse. At Elanic Hospital, you’ll enjoy a rapid and efficient treatment experience, brought to you by a series of expert practitioners, each of which was handpicked for their experience, expertise, and bedside manner.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Elanic Hospital can do for you, our team is here to help. Reach out to our welcoming offices in Glasgow and speak with a helpful member of our team to set up your initial consultation today.

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Joint Replacement FAQ's

What is joint replacement hand surgery?

Who is a good candidate for joint replacement surgery?

Which joints can be replaced during hand surgery?

What materials are used in artificial hand joints?

How is joint replacement hand surgery performed?

What happens during my consultation before joint replacement surgery?

What should I expect on the day of hand joint replacement surgery?

How long is the recovery after joint replacement hand surgery?

Will I need physical therapy after joint replacement surgery?

Why choose Elanic Hospital for joint replacement surgery in Glasgow?

What is joint replacement hand surgery?

Joint replacement hand surgery is a procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased joint in the hand or wrist with an artificial implant to relieve pain, restore movement, and improve hand function.

Who is a good candidate for joint replacement surgery?

Candidates are typically individuals with severe joint damage caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or injury that has not responded to non-surgical treatments.

Which joints can be replaced during hand surgery?

Depending on your condition, joint replacement surgery may involve the thumb, finger, or wrist joints. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure based on the location and extent of joint damage.

What materials are used in artificial hand joints?

Artificial joints used during hand replacement surgery are commonly made from durable materials such as metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials to replicate natural joint movement.

How is joint replacement hand surgery performed?

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision to access the affected joint, removes the damaged joint surfaces, and implants an artificial joint before closing the incision and beginning the recovery process.

What happens during my consultation before joint replacement surgery?

Your consultation includes a thorough evaluation of your condition, a discussion of treatment options, an explanation of the surgical procedure, and detailed guidance on preparing for surgery and recovery.

What should I expect on the day of hand joint replacement surgery?

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. After surgery, you will spend time in a recovery area before being discharged home according to your surgeon's recommendations and your overall health.

How long is the recovery after joint replacement hand surgery?

Recovery varies between patients, but it generally includes protecting the hand, managing swelling and discomfort, avoiding strenuous activities, and gradually returning to normal function under your surgeon's guidance.

Will I need physical therapy after joint replacement surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery and helps improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and overall function of the hand following joint replacement surgery.

Why choose Elanic Hospital for joint replacement surgery in Glasgow?

Elanic Hospital offers consultant-led orthopaedic care, advanced surgical techniques, personalized treatment planning, comprehensive rehabilitation support, and timely access to private healthcare in a modern facility.

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