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Hairdresser's Career Saved by Thumb Joint Trial
14 Jul
Summary
- Hairdresser Beverley Wadsworth faced career-ending pain from osteoarthritis.
- A new joint-replacement technique is being trialed for thumb arthritis.
- The trial offers hope for prolonged careers for those with hand pain.
Beverley Wadsworth, a hairdresser with 43 years of experience, faced an uncertain future due to severe thumb arthritis. The condition, diagnosed two years prior, caused constant pain and significantly worsened her grip, making it difficult to perform essential tasks like holding a hairdryer or using a comb. This pain was impacting her life both physically and mentally, leading her to consider early retirement just six months away.
Wadsworth's situation took a positive turn when she was accepted into a national trial. This trial is evaluating a novel joint-replacement technique for thumbs, being compared against traditional methods. The procedure is likened to a 'mini-hip replacement for your thumb.' This cutting-edge treatment has provided Wadsworth with the prospect of continuing her hairdressing career for an additional ten years, a significant relief given her deep passion for her work and the toll the condition had taken.
