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Glam Fame Journal

How long does it take to recover from basal joint surgery?

Author

Isabella Floyd

Updated on March 17, 2026

How long does it take to recover from basal joint surgery?

Once the cast is removed, physical therapy may be recommended to help regain hand strength and a full range of movement. A complete recovery from basal joint surgery may take up to six months.

Is basal joint surgery painful?

The procedure is preformed through two small portals. These incisions typically heal with minimal cosmetic scaring and are often barely perceptible to other people. Because of the smaller incisions, there is only mild surgical pain, and many patients only require oral pain medicine for the first few days after surgery.

Is basal thumb surgery painful?

You will generally have no pain, and the numbing medication usually lasts about 8 or more hours, so you will leave the surgery center with no pain.

What are the complications of Lrti surgery?

Risks and Complications of LRTI Surgery Scar tenderness. Sensory changes. Tendon rupture or adhesion. Decreased grasp or pinch strength.

When is thumb surgery necessary?

If you don’t respond to other treatments or if you’re barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.

What is the recovery time for basal thumb surgery?

Three to 4 weeks after the procedure, the cast is removed and active range-of-motion therapy begins. Strengthening begins around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The majority of patients return to most activities by 3 months after surgery. Full recovery of normal activities may require up to 6 months.

Do you wear a cast after thumb surgery?

Yes. You will likely be in a cast for 2-4 weeks. You will also use either a removable orthosis a hand therapist will custom make for you or an off-the-shelf thumb and wrist splint for a month after the cast has been removed.

How successful is LRTI surgery?

Pros: Removing the entire trapezium eliminates the possibility of arthritis returning and, according to Dr. Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.

Are you put to sleep for thumb surgery?

In most hospitals, surgery on the hand and wrist is usually performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients must undergo preoperative tests, fast starting the night before, and spend an hour or more in a recovery room.