Patient Story
Hand Arthritis: Bill's Story
Hand Arthritis | Bill's Story
As a sign language interpreter and passionate guitar player, Bill relies on his hands a lot. So, when he started noticing arthritis pain in 2013, he knew it would affect both his job and his hobby. Once it began to impair his playing, he reached out to Dr. Dawn LaPorte, an orthopaedic hand surgeon at Johns Hopkins.
Dr. LaPorte and her team worked with Bill on a treatment plan that included a thumb joint replacement surgery and rigorous rehabilitation through hand therapy. Bill’s occupational therapist, Jyo Supnekar, created a specialized splint for his thumb to help him get back into playing. Thanks to the coordinated care of his surgery and rehabilitation team, Bill can play with less pain and continues doing what he loves.
Bill's Treatment Team
Featured Expert:
Johns Hopkins Hand Surgery
Our orthopaedic hand surgery specialists diagnose and treat many hand, wrist, forearm and elbow conditions. Whether it’s painful arthritis, nerve damage or an uncomfortable cyst that’s causing concern and keeping you from fully using your hands, our experts are ready to help.
