Bill's Story
A Thumb Arthroplasty Provides Picture Perfect Results
The base of Bill Murphy’s right thumb was annoying him. As the year continued, pain intensified. The brace, the cortisone injections, medication, and other conservative measures he was receiving under the care of Edward Akelman, MD, chief of orthopedics for both Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals, was no longer effective. For Bill, accustomed to the fast and arduous pace of his 32-year career as a professional photographer, the picture was coming into focus. “I realized I didn’t have to live with the pain anymore,” he said.
A visit with Dr. Akelman confirmed that surgery was a viable next option. A thumb arthroplasty, a common, time-tested procedure with very good outcomes, was recommended and scheduled. During outpatient surgery, Dr. Akelman removed Bill’s trapezium, one of the bones in the thumb joint and replaced it with a graft from a tendon in his forearm. This method helps to ease pain and restore function and range of motion to the thumb.
Bill Murphy Gives His Surgery a "Thumbs Up"
Following the procedure, Bill immediately noticed the pain he had tolerated was completely gone.
Bill and Dr. Akelman discuss the procedure and the treatment leading up to it, in this video.
Bill's recovery period in a cast was about one month, followed by five weeks of in-person physical therapy. He continues to keep his hand, thumb, and arm in good condition with at-home exercises provided by his rehabilitation therapist.
“In about six to 12 months, he’ll have an outstanding outcome,” said Dr. Akelman. “He’ll be able to function as if he didn’t have any pain at all. The strength in his arm will come back. He’ll be very happy.”
A photographer’s photos tell the story, so it comes as no surprise that Bill is a man of few words. With his surgery behind him, and improvements continuing, he sums it up in two words: “zero pain.”