Sherborne potter teacher gets new thumb replacement surgery

Anna Stiles, 58, works full-time teaching pottery in her home studio in Sherborne.

When her arthritis took hold in her thumb joints, her work was becoming impossible - and even opening a bag of crisps became agony.

She said: "I’ve struggled for years with arthritis in various parts of my body, but can honestly say that the pain in my thumbs was seriously impeding my life the most, and daily tasks became an agonising experience.

"I couldn’t even pop a pill out of the blister pack for pain relief as I couldn’t pinch or push my thumbs without searing pain. Instead I had to cut the pills out with a pair of scissors. I’d also had to invest in various tools to open jars and driving had become almost impossible."

Anna Stiles' new thumbs have allowed her to get back in the studio to make pottery (Image: Supplied)

After having both of her thumb joints replaced with a new type of joint implant surgery, Anna has not looked back and says that the operations have changed her life immeasurably.

She added: “The surgery really is life changing. It’s absolutely brilliant.

“My operation went really well and almost immediately I could feel my pain and range of movements improving no end.

"I am back to teaching and throwing clay pots. My thumbs look normal with minimal scarring and my range of joint movement is better than ever since there is no pain at all."

Dr Alison Edwards (Image: Supplied)

Leading consultant, orthopaedic surgeon Alison Edwards, who specialises in hand surgeries, performed the procedure, known as Trapeziometacarpal joint replacement, at the Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

She has performed more than 100 thumb replacements using the new thumb joint implants which mimic the joint's natural movement.

Traditionally patients are offered a Trapeziectomy operation to alleviate the pain from arthritis in the thumb basal joint by removing the bone affected by arthritis.

In contrast, the new joint implant emulates more natural thumb movement and helps to eliminate pain whilst having minimal effect on the shape and length of the thumb. Patients can return to their usual activities much sooner and often without the need for lengthy periods of physiotherapy.

Anna added: "I didn’t require physio which was a blessing and have felt instantly relieved.

"I’ve recommended the surgery to other people I know – especially women – who tell me their joints have become affected during the menopause.

"I was lucky to have my treatment on the NHS but if I’d had to pay it would be worth every penny. The change in my life is marvellous and I don’t have to worry anymore about not being able to teach. My career is definitely back on track.”

"Having suffered with arthritis most of my life, and having various surgeries since the age of 13 in parts of my body, I can honestly say this is the quickest and least painful recovery I’ve had over the years."

This newer generation of dual mobility joint replacements have been used on the continent for around 10 years, and adopted in the UK around five years ago.

Dr Edwards said: “We have had great success with this new type of surgery for patients suffering with arthritis at the base of the thumb. We are able to add a replacement joint which is much quicker to recover from, and means patients can get back to their regular activities like cooking, driving and everyday living sooner than before and without as much pain as with traditional Trapeziectomies."