2024-04-25 16:40:06
SILANDRO. Monika Spitaler he worked for years in the tourism sector. Once she retired, however, she had serious problems with both wrists. Luckily, the replacement of both trapezium-metacarpal joints of the thumb at theSilandro hospital it gave her strength back.
“People my age don’t go to the doctor right away”
For the 72-year-old from Appiano, the last few years have been “an odyssey”, as she herself defines them: “I no longer had strength in my hands, I couldn’t button a button or open a milk carton. If I had been alone, I would have died of hunger,” she says. According to Monika, people her age don’t turn to the doctor right away: “At first, I tried massaging them but, obviously, it didn’t help much.” The next step was a visit to the general practitioner, who prescribed an orthopedic examination. The specialist, therefore, subjected her to an x-ray and diagnosed her with rhizarthrosis-type osteoarthritis with limited prospects for recovery. To ease her pain, she was given cortisone, which only worked for a short time. Subsequently, she underwent electrical impulse therapy, “quite painful” she recalls, which ultimately led to no improvement.
The strength was missing
Finding herself in this situation was very frustrating for Monika: “I played tennis, I went cycling, I was always very active. Then, suddenly, I lacked the strength to carry out even the simplest activities.” A niece, to whom she complained about her problems, advised her to visit hand surgery at the Silandro hospital. Thus, Mrs. Spitaler was visited by the hand specialist Markus Mariacher of the medical team led by Head Doctor Wilhelm Berger. “Because I am very active, Dr. Mariacher suggested that I replace both thumb joints with a thumb joint replacement. The operation is similar to that of a hip or knee joint prosthesis.” Specialist Markus Mariacher explains what it is: “When a thumb prosthesis is implanted between the first Metacarpal and the Trapezium, the worn joint is replaced by a movable ball joint. This allows for full, pain-free mobility. The length of the thumb remains unchanged or can be restored. The artificial joint partners are made of high-quality metal and a special plastic. Rehabilitation after implantation of the prosthesis can begin a few days after the operation.”
In the morning in hospital, in the evening at home
Monika didn’t think twice, as the pain was now a constant companion. After waiting a few months, she underwent the operation in December 2022: “I arrived at the Silandro hospital early in the morning and was welcomed very warmly. I must say that everyone was kind and courteous to me. Even in the operating room, where it was cold, they immediately gave me a warm blanket, a gesture that I found very nice.”
Ms Spitaler was able to return home in the evening of the same day. Treatments and check-ups followed. The pensioner immediately had the feeling that the operation was successful: “After 3-4 months I was completely fit again”.
The operation on the other hand took place in November 2023: on this occasion too, the patient felt well cared for at the hospital facility of the South Tyrol Health Authority.
Today, about six months after the last surgery, Monika is very satisfied: “I can only say positive things. I still pay attention when it comes to more demanding jobs or activities. For example, I haven’t started cycling again yet due to the vibrations, but I can do almost anything again. Finally, I am also able to take care of household chores without help and I can even button clothes!”
(photo South Tyrol Health Authority)
2024-04-25 16:40:06