TOUCH CMC Joint Replacement

What is thumb CMC arthritis?

The carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb is essential for pinch, grip and opposition. Osteoarthritis can cause pain with opening jars, turning keys, gripping objects and other everyday activities. Treatment begins with the patient’s symptoms, examination and radiographs—not the X-ray alone.

What is the TOUCH CMC prosthesis?

The TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis is a cementless, dual-mobility ball-and-socket total replacement of the first CMC joint. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device in July 2025 for primary total joint replacement in patients with symptomatic Eaton-Littler stage II or III osteoarthritis who meet the device indications.

How is this different from traditional surgery?

Traditional thumb CMC operations commonly use trapeziectomy-based techniques, in which the arthritic trapezium is removed and the thumb is reconstructed or stabilized using one of several methods. Total joint replacement instead preserves the trapezium and replaces the diseased articulation. These are different surgical strategies, and neither approach is appropriate for every patient.

Who may be a candidate?

Potential candidacy depends on the arthritis pattern and stage, bone quality, anatomy, adjacent-joint disease, activity demands, prior surgery and other patient-specific factors. Nonsurgical treatment—including bracing, activity modification, medication when appropriate and injections—is often considered before surgery.

Florida’s first TOUCH CMC procedure

In February 2026, Tampa General Hospital and Florida Orthopaedic Institute announced Florida’s first procedure using the TOUCH CMC prosthesis. Devin W. Collins, DO performed the first-in-state procedure as part of the implant’s U.S. introduction.

Featured media coverage

Dr. Collins has discussed TOUCH CMC joint replacement in patient-focused television and news coverage. View Bay News 9, Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and additional coverage →

What does the evidence show?

The FDA-reviewed premarket clinical data supported approval based on safety and effectiveness outcomes, including pain, function, key pinch strength and quality-of-life measures through 24 months. The FDA also required post-approval surveillance in U.S. patients. Long-term implant performance remains an important part of ongoing follow-up and patient counseling.

Recovery

Recovery protocols are individualized. Rehabilitation balances protection of the implant and surgical tissues with progressive restoration of thumb motion and function. The timing of return to work, sports, gripping and heavier activity depends on healing, occupation and the surgeon’s assessment.

Discussing your options

Thumb CMC replacement is one option within a broader treatment pathway. A consultation should compare nonsurgical care, trapeziectomy-based procedures and joint replacement based on your anatomy, arthritis and goals.