THUMB ARTHROPLASTY

Thumb arthroplasty (also called CMC or basilar joint arthroplasty) involves removing the trapezium and suspending the thumb with a suture between two of your tendons. This ultimately removes the arthritis which leads to pain relief.

​

The procedure involves a 2-3 inch incision on the thumb side of the palm. The procedure usually takes about 1 hour and requires general anesthesia and usually a nerve block. The incision is closed with an absorbable suture.

A splint is left on for 7 days and then you will see occupational therapy to have a custom molded splint made and initiate the rehab protocol.