Yes, it is possible to operate on hands and fingers deformed due to osteoarthritis, but only to preserve the hand’s grasping function. Aesthetics are not a sufficient argument for doctors to perform an operation!
 
There are thumb joint prostheses which improve the grip strength between the thumb and the forefinger.
 
Another operation consists in blocking the articulation (arthrodesis) of the thumb in a functional position – after this, the patient is able to catch objects or use a knife or a fork for instance.