I've heard that a procedure called "arthrodesis" can reduce the pain of arthritis in the base of the thumb. Is this surgery safe for people over 50?

Arthrodesis is surgery to stabilize the thumb joint so bones can grow together. A recent article gave the results of this procedure for patients between the ages of 41 and 73 (average = 54). These patients had surgery where two small bones meet at the base of the thumb.

Out of 59 joints, only four did not heal together properly after surgery. Three of these were not painful. One of the joints was painful; it was fixed by an additional surgery.

There were no major complications from surgery. At follow-up about seven years later, patients had almost no pain. All but one of them said they'd choose the surgery again.

The researchers concluded that arthrodesis is safe for older patients. Though doctors have generally only recommended it for patients under 40, older patients seem to get lasting relief from this procedure.