HEBERDEN'S AND BOUCHARD'S OSTEOARTHRITIS
Wear of the finger joints
With osteoarthritis in the fingers, the layer of cartilage on the finger joints – above all on the middle and end joints – becomes thinner and thinner until at some point it is used up completely. Bone then rubs on bone and causes pain in the hand. In addition the body forms new bone at the edges of the joints. This makes the joints look thicker and knobbly. The fingers can also become bent. Osteoarthritis of the fingers is usually inherited and does not arise through use. Occasionally a fracture that healed in an unfavourable position can cause osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Pain in the fingers
Gripping firmly between thumb and fingers causes pain to shoot in.
Thickening and bending of the finger joints
New bone at the joints forms nodules, or the fingers bend sideways
Restricted movement of the fingers
Making a fist in particular is restricted, and grip strength is reduced as a result.
How is it diagnosed?
The outward appearance of the hands, with thickened and bent fingers, already suggests osteoarthritis; an X-ray or a cone beam CT gives certainty.
Treatment options for Heberden's and Bouchard's osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis in the fingers aims to relieve pain, maintain movement and keep the hands working in everyday life. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured completely, but many symptoms can be well controlled with treatment tailored to the individual.
Treatment options
Non-surgical and surgical – we will find the right approach for you
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy reduces the painful inflammation in the joint.
Implanting a prosthesis in the middle joints
Replacing the worn joint with an artificial one
Arthrodesis of the end joints
Fusion and correction of the destroyed joint
Our hand specialists
Experienced consultants for Heberden's osteoarthritis and hand surgery
