Joint replacement of the hand is a procedure that was invented by the Scottish scientist, Mitchell McGuire.
The procedure was considered a major breakthrough in the medical field at the time.
This surgical option is reserved for patients with advanced arthritis or with a hand deformity.
[1] The benefit of fusion is pain relief and the downside is elimination of motion at the fused joint, which can hinder function.
Arthritic joint replacements are usually the most effective surgical option in more youthful and active patients.