LRTI (Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition)

One of the great tools that separate humans is our opposable thumb. This is what give us the ability to make a fist and pick up objects. However, because of the complexity of the thumb’s joint, it can also be susceptible to arthritis.

It’s possible you could treat your arthritis with an anti-inflammatory, splint, or steroid injection. However, in many cases, surgery is necessary.

With the thumb, you may need an LTRI, or Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI). In this case, your surgeon will make an incision to inspect the bone at the base of your thumb, called the trapezium. He or she will then remove any parts of your trapezium that have been affected by arthritis.

Next, your surgeon will take a nearby tendon and place it in the hole where the bone was removed.

The recovery from this procedure can be lengthy, but the rewards are high, with many patients feeling complete relief for 15-20 years after surgery.