If you have pain, weakness, or difficulty using your thumb at its base, you may have carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. While many patients find relief through conservative treatments, these may become less effective as arthritis progresses.

Fortunately, new advancements are changing how thumb arthritis is treated.

At Orlin & Cohen, our hand specialists offer CMC arthroplasty, a breakthrough, minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain and restores function, helping you regain your quality of life.

As one of the few practices in the state offering this innovative treatment option, we are proud to have Dr. Dana L. Cruz on our expert team. Dr. Cruz is among the first orthopedic surgeons in the nation to successfully perform this groundbreaking procedure and traveled to Switzerland to train under the leading European experts.

What Is Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty?

CMC arthroplasty is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat severe arthritis at the base of the thumb. This joint replacement option relieves pain and restores thumb function, improving grip strength and enabling a faster return to daily hand use compared to traditional approaches which simply remove the arthritic bone.

What causes thumb CMC joint arthritis?

CMC arthritis develops when the protective cartilage in the thumb joint wears down over time, affecting 25% of men and 40% of women over the age of 75. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against one another, leading to pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced function.

How common is thumb arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is a highly common condition and the second most common form of arthritis in the hand. It is especially prevalent in older adults and postmenopausal women, often appearing as a dull ache at the base of the thumb that worsens with activities including pinch and tight grip.

Dr. Dana Cruz Performing CMC Arthroplasty

Because thumb joint replacement is a relatively new advancement in hand surgery, choosing an experienced surgeon is critical. Fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity specialist Dr. Dana L. Cruz is among the few orthopedic surgeons in the nation performing the procedure. Her expertise in advanced hand reconstruction allows patients at Orlin & Cohen to access a leading-edge treatment option that is not widely available.

For decades, the standard surgical treatment for severe thumb arthritis involved removing the arthritic bone and stabilizing the joint with either another tendon or implant. While effective for pain relief, recovery can be lengthy, and patients may experience prolonged weakness.

CMC arthroplasty builds on this foundation by incorporating modern implant technology that restores stability immediately while maintaining proper thumb alignment and function.

CMC Arthroplasty Surgery: How the Procedure Works

During surgery, a small part of the damaged bone at the base of the thumb is removed to eliminate the arthritic joint causing pain. Once removed, the thumb is stabilized using an implant, similar to those used in hip replacement surgery, designed to support alignment and function while allowing immediate activities.

The outpatient procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Patients can go home the same day with soft dressings and are encouraged to use the hand immediately.

How is thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty different from trapeziectomy?

Both procedures treat arthritis by removing the arthritic bone at the base of the thumb. The difference lies in how much bone is removed and how the space is supported afterward.

• In CMC arthroplasty, the implant is used to reconstruct the normal joint, motion and alignment of the thumb, supporting faster pain relief with earlier return of strength and function.
• In a trapeziectomy procedures, the entire trapezium is removed and the remaining thumb is secured to the adjacent finger, often with a different implant. This approach has a long history of providing reliable, long-term pain relief, but recovery typically takes significantly longer and patient often complain of persistent stiffness and weakness.

After a comprehensive evaluation, our hand specialists recommend the treatment option best suited to each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, activity level, and recovery goals.

Who Is a Candidate for Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery?

You may be a candidate for CMC arthroplasty if you have moderate to severe thumb arthritis that is interfering with your daily activities, and conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief.

Candidates often experience:

• Persistent pain at the base of the thumb
• Weakness when gripping or pinching objects
• Difficulty opening jars, turning keys, or performing household tasks
• Limited function despite splinting, therapy, medications, or injections

CMC Arthroplasty Recovery: What to Expect

One of the benefits of CMC arthroplasty is the potential for a faster recovery and earlier return to everyday activities compared to traditional surgical approaches.

All patients go home the same day as surgery, and while some discomfort is expected during the first few days, pain is often managed with over-the-counter medications. Patients are able to remove their dressings two days after surgery and begin immediate use of the hand after surgery.

For the first 6 weeks, patients are allowed to return to everyday activities but are asked to limit repetitive pinch and strenuous activities/ sports. Most patients do not require therapy or a splint after surgery.

Recovery timelines vary by lifestyle and activity demands. Many patients with desk jobs return to work within a few days, while those requiring heavy lifting or repetitive hand use may need longer to recover.

While you will see significant improvements early on, full recovery takes several months as you continue to regain strength and function.

Find Relief from Thumb Arthritis with CMC Arthroplasty

If thumb arthritis is affecting your daily life, CMC arthroplasty may be the key to a pain-free future. At Orlin & Cohen, our specialists provide the personalized care you need to get back to the activities you love. Ready to take the first step toward relief? Request an appointment.