New Tool Available for Finger Treatment

A.J. Lauder, MD

Hand-wrist specialist A.J. Lauder of Longview Orthopedic Associates has begun 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 that is only 1.9 millimeters in width.

“It’s somewhat like knee arthroscopy,” Lauder said, “but everything is much smaller.”

He said that 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 that time, he has provided instruction about proper use of the NanoScope to other hand specialists.

“Thus far, results of this procedure have been good,” Lauder 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. He later earned board certification in surgery of the hand. He has co-authored nearly a dozen books dealing with 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.