I had it done about four years ago..he took a piece of arm tendon to cushion the joint , or something like that. I had to wear a cast for weeks. I fell while in the cast and broke the side of my hand above the little finger. Broke it thru the cast. I work in the or so I am his poster child for what can happen when he has new residents working with him. It did help lots tho, no more ugly braces tower 24hours a day. Being able to use right hand again took lots of pressure off left hand so I am able to get by with no surgery on the left. Hope this helps!!