Difference between thumb joint replacement and fusion

I regret every day that I had a bone fusion done on my index finger.  Be aware that you will NEVER be able to bend the joint that is fused.  I didn't know they did replacements for thumb joint but if they do then opt for that over a fusion.  They probably won't do both at once because it would totally limit use of both hands -- but recovery for one should go quickly (I think).

There are pros and cons to joint replacement as well.  I've been contemplating fusion for my wrist but still have a little range of motion - with a LOT of pain, at times.  Can't always use it.  I've been told that joint replacements don't last forever, and that fusions are stronger. So it may be depend on what you do and your level of activity.  I hadn't heard about joint replacement for thumb ... which joint, the base where the thumb meets hand?

I understand there is a lot of physical therapy (specifically by a hand therapist) that goes with replacement.  The fusion takes 6 weeks weeks to heal.  Both require a lot of time - but when you get to the point you can't use something, well, the time is there, because the alternative is to do nothing....and put up with what you've got.  It's hard to judge the pain of what you know with the unknown level of pain (surgery recovery & still some limits on actiity) after fusion, or replacement.

I was offered thumb joint fusion some 11 years again...I was unable to turn the key to start my car, pinch, etc due to severe damage over 13 years of R/A

I have never regretted the fusion, I feel that it resolved all of my issues, and I do not find the fused joint to be clumsy or vulnerable at all, as I had worried about.

oops...I meant to say surgery 11 years AGO - not again !!