UKM Hand & Microsurgery

29/08/2025

A 44 year old lady with wrist pain for four months and no history of trauma presented with severe base of left thumb pain. Examination and X-rays concluded with a
diagnosis of basal thumb (CMCJ) osteoarthritis.

She underwent trapeziectomy with mini tightrope .

Please do not confuse the diagnosis with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a relatively common condition particularly affecting women in their 30s to 50s and often associated with repetitive wrist or thumb activities, pregnancy or breastfeeding and inflammatory arthritis because both conditions present with base of thumb pain.
A thorough history and examination is required to differentiate between both conditions.

The X-ray which demonstrated the presence of osteophytes together with subluxation of the joint also revealed subchondral sclerosis and a reduction in joint space features that are consistent with chronic osteoarthritis.

08/08/2025

30/07/2025

The patient sustained a severe electrical burn injury two years ago, resulting in a burn contracture with complete loss of hand movement. To restore hand mobility and function, we performed a burn contracture release. Arthrolysis of the Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint was done to address joint stiffness and subluxation of the phalanges. The release of the subluxation was particularly challenging due to extensor tendon contracture, which exerted tension and pulled the phalanges out of alignment. Z Lengthening was done for the Extensor Tendon. Our Plastic Team assisted us in harvesting an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap from the thigh region, was used for soft tissue coverage and to aid in restoring hand function.