Ligament Reconstruction & Tendon Interposition Surgery in Chapin, SC
Persistent thumb pain can turn everyday motions—from gripping a pen to twisting a doorknob—into daily frustrations. When arthritis at the base of the thumb (CMC joint) becomes severe, ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) surgery offers a reliable, lasting solution.
At Palmetto Bone & Joint, we offer advanced LRTI surgery that relieves pain, restores strength, and helps you get back to living fully. Our orthopedic team delivers personalized care using the latest techniques, so you can move forward with confidence and comfort.
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What Is LRTI Surgery?
LRTI surgery is a trusted surgical solution for people with advanced thumb arthritis. When the cartilage in the thumb’s base joint wears down, typically from basal joint (CMC) arthritis, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that can make even basic hand movements difficult.
This procedure relieves that discomfort by removing the damaged trapezium bone and rebuilding the joint using a piece of the patient’s own tendon. This tendon serves as both a cushion and a stabilizer, helping to ease pain while restoring grip strength and flexibility.
Refined and proven over decades, LRTI remains one of the most effective and widely used procedures for lasting relief when conservative treatments are no longer enough. This technique is often referred to as the LRTI procedure for thumb arthritis and is widely used in orthopedic practices.
Conditions Treated with LRTI
For many, LRTI thumb arthritis surgery becomes necessary when joint damage interferes with hand function and conservative treatments no longer provide relief. LRTI thumb surgery is primarily used to treat:
- Advanced carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis
- Basal joint arthritis
- Chronic thumb pain due to joint instability
- Severe joint degeneration at the base of the thumb
How Does LRTI Surgery Work?
During an LRTI procedure, the following steps are typically performed:
- Removal of the Trapezium Bone
The small, arthritic bone at the base of the thumb is surgically removed, eliminating the source of bone-on-bone friction that causes chronic pain and inflammation. - Tendon Harvesting
A portion of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon is harvested from your forearm. This tendon is strong, flexible, and ideal for creating natural support within the thumb joint. - Ligament Reconstruction
The harvested tendon is used to reconstruct the ligaments that stabilize the thumb joint, restoring crucial support and alignment to improve thumb movement and function. - Tendon Interposition
The remaining portion of the tendon is rolled or woven to fill the gap left by the removed bone, serving as a cushion.
This approach reduces pain, improves grip strength, and stabilizes the joint without the need for joint replacement hardware, making it a preferred technique among many orthopedic surgeons. It is also a preferred LRTI surgery for CMC arthritis due to its lasting effectiveness and low complication rate.
Benefits of LRTI for Thumb Arthritis
- Effective long-term pain relief
- Restores thumb mobility and strength
- Eliminates the need for joint prosthetics
- Utilizes the body’s own tissue for reconstruction
- Minimally invasive with a focus on tendon healing
Many patients experience significant improvement in hand function, allowing them to return to everyday activities with less pain and greater independence.
Other Specialized Treatment Areas
When it comes to treating advanced thumb arthritis, many patients weigh the choice between LRTI surgery and joint replacement. For most, LRTI stands out as the preferred option, offering long-term relief without the risks that can come with synthetic implants.
Instead of using hardware, LRTI reconstructs the thumb joint using your own tendon, which lowers the chance of complications and promotes a more natural healing process. It’s a time-tested technique trusted by orthopedic surgeons for its durability, simplicity, and consistent results.
If you’re dealing with persistent thumb discomfort that hasn’t improved with splints, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections, it may be time to consider LRTI. Reach out to us today to request a consultation.
FAQs About LRTI Surgery for Thumb Arthritis
We recommended LRTI surgery to patients with advanced thumb arthritis, particularly at the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, who have not found lasting relief through non-surgical treatments like splints, injections, or physical therapy.
If pain, stiffness, or weakness in your thumb interferes with daily activities such as gripping, writing, or opening jars, you may be a strong candidate. A thorough evaluation by our team can help determine if this procedure is right for your condition and lifestyle.
Recovery time for LRTI surgery usually spans 3 to 6 months, though healing times can vary. The first few weeks typically involve immobilization in a splint or cast, followed by a transition to a removable brace and guided hand therapy. Most patients begin regaining strength and range of motion within a few months, with full return to normal function typically occurring by six months.
Some discomfort is expected after surgery, especially during the initial healing period. However, modern pain management techniques, including medications and physical therapy, are used to keep pain levels manageable and support a smooth recovery.
Our team will work closely with you to ensure your post-operative experience is as comfortable as possible.
As with any surgery, LRTI comes with potential risks such as infection, stiffness, scar tissue formation, nerve irritation, or ongoing discomfort. That said, complications are relatively uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. James Loging.
At Palmetto Bone & Joint, we take every precaution to minimize risks and personalize your care plan to support the safest outcome.
Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function following LRTI surgery. While full recovery takes time, many individuals regain the ability to perform daily tasks like writing, gripping objects, or using utensils with much less discomfort.
With proper rehabilitation and follow-up care, long-term outcomes are typically very positive, and patients often return to an active, independent lifestyle.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re struggling with persistent thumb pain and wondering whether LRTI surgery is right for you, our team is here to help. Palmetto Bone & Joint in Chapin, SC, provides leading-edge solutions for thumb arthritis with a focus on comfort, precision, and long-term results.