Thumb arthritis is a common cause of thumb pain. The ability to touch the thumb to the small finger, known as “opposition,” is a function which distinguishes our hands from the hands of many animals. Because of this joint mobility, the base of the thumb is exposed to a large amount of “wear and tear” stress.
The diagnosis is made after reviewing the patient’s history, performing a physical examination, and getting x-rays. X-rays can show loss of joint cartilage, joint deformity, bone spurs (also called “osteophytes”), subchondral cysts within the bone, and narrowing of the joint space.
What surgery is recommended for thumb CMC arthritis?
Thumb CMC arthroplasty surgery is a commonly performed hand procedure. During surgery, the arthritic bone at the base of the thumb (trapezium bone) is removed. This procedure eliminates the bone-on-bone grinding pain. In addition, a tendon from the patient’s forearm can be used to fill the space at the base of the thumb and/or reconstruct the ligaments at the thumb base.
Please contact us for more information.
Dr. Dev Padia
Specialist Orthopaedic Fracture, Ligament Injury and Best Knee Joint Replacement Surgeon, Surat.