Phone: 817-697-4038 Fax: 877-409-3962

Oppensplasty

 

IF YOU NEED AN OPPENSPLASTY, PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Opponensplasty

Opponensplasty is a surgical procedure that restores the thumb’s ability to oppose, or move toward, the other fingers. This ability is essential for grasping, holding, and manipulating objects. When people lose thumb opposition—often due to nerve damage, injury, or congenital conditions—it can significantly impact hand function and quality of life.

What is Opponensplasty?

Opponensplasty is a surgical procedure that restores the thumb’s ability to move toward the other fingers. This function plays a key role in hand movements, as the thumb is crucial for gripping, holding, and manipulating objects. People can lose thumb opposition due to several factors, including:

  • Nerve damage: Especially to the median nerve, which controls the muscles responsible for thumb opposition.
  • Trauma or injury: Such as fractures or dislocations of the thumb.
  • Congenital conditions: Conditions present from birth that affect hand function.
  • Diseases: Such as arthritis or conditions that affect tendons and ligaments.

Why is Opponensplasty Needed?

The opponens pollicis muscle controls the thumb’s opposition and receives innervation from the median nerve. Damage to this nerve—due to conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, trauma, or stroke—can impair the thumb’s movement toward the fingers, making basic hand functions difficult.

Thumb paralysis, nerve injuries, or congenital defects that affect thumb movement often require opponensplasty. This surgery can significantly improve quality of life, especially for people who rely on their hands for work, personal care, or hobbies.

How is Opponensplasty Performed?

Surgeons perform opponensplasty to restore thumb opposition by repositioning or transferring tendons or muscles. During the procedure, the surgeon typically harvests a tendon from another part of the hand or forearm and reattaches it to the thumb to improve its function. In some cases, the surgeon may use a tendon or muscle from another area of the body for added stability. The procedure is done under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case. Surgeons make careful incisions to minimize scarring and promote optimal healing.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After undergoing opponensplasty, patients usually need to follow a rehabilitation program to regain strength and movement in the hand. This program may include physical therapy and exercises designed to improve thumb mobility and function. Recovery times vary but can take several weeks to months, depending on the procedure’s complexity and the individual’s healing rate.

If you’re struggling with thumb movement or hand function, opponensplasty may be an effective solution. Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you regain the ability to perform everyday tasks with ease.

 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE WITH AN ORTHOPEDIC HAND AND WRIST SPECIALIST IN DALLAS, FORT WORTH, OR MANSFIELD, GIVE US A CALL AT 817-697-4038, OR CONTACT US OVER THE WEB. TELE-MEDICINE APPOINTMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.