Medical Matters

New Tool for Finger Treatment By Jim LeMonds

Hand-wrist specialist A.J. Lauder of Longview Orthopedic Associates is using a new surgical technique designed to aid patients suffering from arthritis of the finger joints. Known as MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint arthroscopy, the procedure makes use of a NanoScope only 1.9 milimeters wide. “It’s somewhat like knee arthroscopy,” Lauder said, “but everything is much smaller.” Hand surgeons had been frustrated because — prior to the availability of the NanoScope — the only scopes available were intended for wrist arthroscopy. “Just as you are probably imagining, the equipment was too big for small finger and thumb joints,” he said. Lauder learned about the procedure while attending training courses in recent years. Since then, he taught other hand specialists about proper use of the NanoScope. Results of this procedure have been good, he said. “The two biggest advantages for patients are rapid

healing and avoiding a more complicated procedure such as joint fusion or joint replacement. It also gives the surgeon and patient a better idea of what they are dealing with — How severe is the arthritis? Is there a fragment that can be removed? Is the joint stable?” Dr. Lauder completed a hand surgery fellowship at the University of Washington, later earning board certification in surgery of the hand. He has co-authored nearly a dozen books dealing with Dr. A.J. Lauder the hand and wrist. His primary focus is on wrist arthroscopy, carpal and cubital tunnel releases, treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger, and reconstruction of the hand, wrist, and elbow. ••• Former R.A. Long High School English teacher Jim LeMonds, now a semi-retired writer, editor, and marketer, rides his mountain bike whenever possible. His published books are South of Seattle and Deadfall. He lives in Castle Rock, Wash.

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