Hand Therapy – Trapeziectomy

What is a trapeziectomy?

The trapezium is a small wrist bone located at the base of the thumb, which is commonly affected by osteoarthritis. A trapeziectomy is a surgical procedure to remove this bone.

What can I expect after surgery?

You will have:

• A large cast and bandage which must be worn for the first 2 weeks.
• A lighter weight cast fitted at 2 weeks.
• Swelling around the area of injury. This is normal and should reduce over time. Elevating your hand above your heart can reduce this.
• Pain can be normal immediately after surgery. Please discuss this with your Hand Therapist.
• An appointment with the Hand Therapy Team 4 weeks after your surgery.

The Hand Therapist will make you a plastic splint which needs to be worn at all times for a further 2 weeks. They will also teach you some exercises, in order to regain the movement of your thumb.

Please do not try your own exercises as this could cause increased pain.

In most cases, your Hand Therapist will see you every 2 weeks to check your progress. It usually takes approximately 12 weeks after surgery to be discharged by the Hand Therapy Team.

How should I care for my splint?

You will be provided with a plastic splint in order to protect your thumb. You may remove your splint to wash your hands and do your exercises. Your Hand Therapist will guide you as to when you can begin to remove it for daily activities.

You should:

• Keep the splint clean and dry – cover in a plastic bag for showering/bathing.
• Keep away from sources of heat.
• Clean the outside with baby wipes or a damp cloth.

You should not:

• Remove the splint.
• Try to make alterations to your splint.

Please be aware wearing a splint continuously can cause irritation of the skin on your hand. You may notice some rubbing or digging in. If this becomes red, dry or blistered please contact your Hand Therapist.

Please bring your splint to each hand therapy session.

How should I care for my scar?

The Hand Therapist will show and advise you when to start scar massage. This is normally once the wound has healed and has scabbed over. Scar massage is useful as it helps to breakdown the scar tissue. This allows the scar to move more freely and reduces the risk of the scar becoming sensitive.

To complete scar massage you should:

• Apply firm pressure in circular movements along the length of the scar.
• Use non-perfumed cream.
• Complete for 5 minutes at a time at least 4 times a day.

When can I return to normal activities?

Your thumb is likely to be weak for approximately 12 weeks after the operation and care has to be taken to protect it. You will be guided by your Hand Therapist as to when you can return to normal activities.

Do I need to take time off work?

Your Hand Therapist will discuss with you when it is appropriate to return back to your normal work and hobbies. Please speak to your GP if you need a sick note. The information below gives you a guide of when you may expect to return to work. This will depend on the type of work or activity you do.

• Office based work – 4 to 6 weeks.
• Driving – 8 weeks.
• Manual work – 12 weeks.
• Contact sport – 12 weeks.

Contact numbers

If you need any further advice regarding:

• Your appointment with the consultant.
• The surgery you may have had.
• Your wound, dressing or cast.

Please contact your local Orthopaedic Outpatient Department.

University Hospital of North Tees

Orthopaedic Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01642 624 473

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

Saturday, 8:30am to 1:00pm

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Orthopaedic Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01429 522 590

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Hand Therapy

Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:

• You have any concerns or questions regarding your exercises.
• If your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522 471

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1st Floor, North Wing, University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatient Department

Ground Floor, University Hospital of Hartlepool

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]