A hospital in Shepton Mallet is transforming the lives of arthritis sufferers with a cutting-edge thumb joint replacement surgery, setting a new record for the most procedures performed in a single day.

Practice Plus Group Hospital, based in Shepton Mallet, recently made headlines when Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Alison Edwards performed five Trapeziometacarpal joint replacement surgeries in just one day, a record for the hospital and possibly the UK. This breakthrough surgery is offering hope to those suffering from arthritis in their thumbs, providing a faster recovery time and more natural movement than traditional procedures.

Alison Edwards, who specialises in hand surgeries at Practice Plus Group in Shepton Mallet and Bristol, is among the UK's top 10 surgeons for this procedure. She has now performed over 100 thumb joint replacements using the new implants, which mimic the natural movement of the thumb and reduce pain.

Alison Edwards, who specialises in hand surgeries at Practice Plus Group in Shepton Mallet and Bristol, is among the UK's top 10 surgeons for this procedure.

Traditional surgery for arthritis in the thumb, known as a Trapeziectomy, involves removing the affected bone. In contrast, this new method preserves the thumb's shape and strength while restoring movement more quickly, allowing patients to return to daily activities such as driving and cooking without the lengthy recovery associated with older methods.

Alison Edwards explained: "This new surgery is changing lives. The recovery time is shorter, and patients can get back to their regular activities with less pain and discomfort. We've had great success with this procedure, and I'm proud to have reached this milestone."

Patient Anna Stiles, a pottery teacher from Sherborne, Dorset, is just one of many whose life has been transformed by the surgery. After struggling with arthritis for years, Anna says the surgery was "life-changing" and has allowed her to return to teaching pottery, pain-free.

Anna shared her experience: "Before the surgery, I couldn't even open a packet of crisps without agony. Now, I'm back to teaching every day at my studio. The recovery was quick, and the results are amazing – I've recommended the surgery to others."

Patients can access the surgery through the NHS via GP referral, or privately via Practice Plus Group's Wellsoon service. The hospital's reputation for top-quality care and faster recovery times is growing, with plans to expand its services further in the coming months.

For more information on the new thumb joint replacement surgery and how to access it, visit Practice Plus Group's website.