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Small joint replacement surgery
When arthritis affects your knuckles or the base of your thumb, surgery to replace your joint with an artificial one can prove an effective solution to relieve pain and restore movement and function.
About replacing a small joint
Small joint replacement surgery is usually carried out on the hand. It can provide pain relief when arthritis affects your knuckles or the base of your thumbs, and restore movement and function.
Artificial joints tend to be made from rubber, metal or plastic and pyrocarbon (an extra-strong material).
Radial head fractures in the elbow also benefit from small joint replacement surgery. This is where the end of the upper arm bone fractures within the elbow, and is usually caused by a fall or accident. Replacing the radial head with an implant reinforces the joint and makes it stable.
Need to know
Finger joint replacement is an option when arthritis causes pain in the hand. You'll be treated as an outpatient and will go home the same day. Any excess cartilage, tissue and bone is removed from the area, along with the worn joint itself.
It's replaced by an artificial joint, which improves the function of the finger and reduces pain. Radial head replacement is carried out under general anaesthetic. An incision is made to the side of the elbow and damaged bone is removed. The consultant will work out the size of implant your body needs, and cement it into place. They will then check the implant fits properly and the area will be closed up using stures.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. If general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. You many need revision surgery for the hand joint surgery for example.
After hand surgery, your hand will be in a plaster splint. To avoid swelling, the hand will need to be raised above the level of the heart for the first few days. It will take around three months for the swelling to settle. You'll be able to drive a car and return to work after two to three weeks.
After radial head replacement surgery, your elbow will be covered by a bandage. You'll be given pain relief and will need to elevate the arm to reduce swelling. A week after surgery, a physiotherapist will suggest some exercises to help you move your arm. Full recovery should take three to six months.
Our Small joint replacement surgery locations
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
City of London 31 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HT London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.