Thumb Saddle Joint Arthrosis (Rhizarthrosis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate rhizarthrosis (thumb saddle joint arthritis):

Leading symptoms

  • The thumb feels unstable or wobbly.
  • Shooting pain
  • Lack of strength in opposition movements (“key grip”; the thumb touches the fingertips of the other fingers) or weakness of grip.
  • Painful restriction of movement
  • Loss of sensitivity
  • Adduction contracture (limb is splayed away from the center of the body) of the first metacarpal ray (later in the course)

Associated symptoms

  • Pressure pain
  • Effusion formation*
  • Increased sensitivity of the joints to cold
  • Joint swelling*
  • Crepitation in the joint (joint noises).
  • Muscle tension due to gentle posture
  • Pain at rest
  • Feeling of tension in the joints (in the later stages).
  • Adduction contracture (patient is no longer able to bring the affected body part to his body) of the first metacarpal ray (in the later stages)

* In case of inflammatory activation.