Advanced Solutions for Hand Injury and Arthritis
Orthopedic Surgeon Becomes First in
Maryland to Perform Hand Joint Replacement
Chesapeake Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon Terrence O'Donovan, M.D., F.A.C.S., was the first surgeon in Maryland to implant the Ascension® MCP total joint – a two-component total joint replacement for the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the hand, which joins the wrist bones with the finger bones. According to Dr. O'Donovan, this joint will offer pain relief and restore functional range of motion to patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis due to trauma. The diseased joint is replaced though arthroplasty, which takes less than an hour.
Manufactured with PyroCarbon, a strong and durable material used for more than 30 years in the fabrication of mechanical cardiac valve replacements, this prosthesis received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in November 2001 and became available in January 2002. According to Dr. O'Donovan, the Ascension® MCP is anatomically correct and offers more stability than the single-piece silicon rubber spacers that are commonly used.
According to Dr. O'Donovan, the post-operative rehabilitation protocol is essential to the success of the procedure. "Following surgery, patients are prescribed a regimented rehabilitation program of about two months and utilize a dynamic splint to regain range of motion," said Dr. O'Donovan.
Dr. O'Donovan is board certified in hand surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and active member of the American Society for Hand Surgery, the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-768-5555.
Chesapeake Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon Terrence O'Donovan, M.D., F.A.C.S., was the first surgeon in Maryland to implant the Ascension® MCP total joint – a two-component total joint replacement for the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the hand, which joins the wrist bones with the finger bones. According to Dr. O'Donovan, this joint will offer pain relief and restore functional range of motion to patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis due to trauma. The diseased joint is replaced though arthroplasty, which takes less than an hour.
Manufactured with PyroCarbon, a strong and durable material used for more than 30 years in the fabrication of mechanical cardiac valve replacements, this prosthesis received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in November 2001 and became available in January 2002. According to Dr. O'Donovan, the Ascension® MCP is anatomically correct and offers more stability than the single-piece silicon rubber spacers that are commonly used.
According to Dr. O'Donovan, the post-operative rehabilitation protocol is essential to the success of the procedure. "Following surgery, patients are prescribed a regimented rehabilitation program of about two months and utilize a dynamic splint to regain range of motion," said Dr. O'Donovan.
Dr. O'Donovan is board certified in hand surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and active member of the American Society for Hand Surgery, the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-768-5555.