MP Arthroplasty — MCP Joint Arthroplasty

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; no ulnar deviation of digits; MCP in 0° to prevent active extension lag; RA: WHFO full time; OA: hand-based HFO full time; no resistance strengthening until 8 weeks

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): volar wrist/hand splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): WHFO (RA) or HFO (OA), progressive active MCP flexion/extension, tendon glides, dexterity; OA at wk 4-6: may remold to functional flexion (30-45°) if stiff and lag <15°, begin removing for light ADLs; Phase 3 (6+ wks): wean orthosis, grip from week 8, RA night orthosis until week 8

Notes

Use when NO additional soft tissue repair to centralize EDC; RA uses forearm-based WHFO, OA uses hand-based HFO; buddy strap support when using hand without orthosis; OA may remold to functional MCP flexion at 4-6 weeks if flexion stiff and active extension lag <15°

Published

09/2024