Joe A Shaw PA-C - 10/10/2008

Question
I had CMC partial arthroplasty in Dec.07 w/ tendon grafting in rt. hand. I just
under went a total CMC arthroplasty in same hand. My new surgeon said there was
no tendon between the joints. I was told that it could of dissolved. Is that
true? How can tendon dissolve? I knew he took the tendon because I have scars.
thank you,   Karen


Answer
Karen,
I have not heard of that happening. The body can reabsorb things such as fat injections, hematomas (a collection of blood)etc..but w/o any kind of condition in your body such as an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis that can break down protein/tendon structures I'm not sure what he means. The tendon can rupture and retract, like when a rubber band breaks, maybe this occurred? I would recommend the Active wrap as many people post op CMC surgery have benefited from this as it can be used with ice or heat