Symptoms and evaluation
Pain is typically centered at the thumb base and may be associated with weakness, swelling, grinding or progressive deformity. Diagnosis usually combines the history and physical examination with radiographs to evaluate the pattern and severity of arthritis.
Treatment options
Initial care can include activity modification, bracing, medication when appropriate and corticosteroid injection. For persistent symptoms, surgical options can include traditional trapeziectomy-based reconstruction and, in selected patients, CMC joint replacement. Implant arthroplasty is not appropriate for every patient, so anatomy, activity level and goals matter.
Recovery and return to activity
Recovery depends substantially on the operation selected. Rehabilitation focuses on protecting the reconstruction or implant while restoring thumb motion, strength and functional pinch over time.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
There is no single operation that is best for every patient with thumb-base arthritis. Treatment should account for arthritis pattern, bone quality, adjacent-joint disease, activity demands, age and patient goals.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.