Thumb arthritis
Definition
Thumb arthritis is a type of condition in which the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint (thumb joint) wears away.
This type of joint arthritis is very common with aging and usually occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bone that form the joint at the base of your thumb.
Alternative name
Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis
Description
There is no known cure for thumb CMC arthritis, but some patients may opt for a nonsurgical treatment. One of these nonsurgical treatment options would be to wear a brace or splint if the pain is moderate.
Some conditions commonly associated with CMC arthritis: basal thumb arthritis, trigger finger, rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis, thumb osteoarthritis, thumb base osteoarthritis, thumb metacarpal, mallet finger, bone spur, trapezium bone injury and degenerative arthritis.
If the thumb arthritis is more severe, some patients will get injections at the base of their palm to relieve the pain.
If there is still no pain relief, a surgical treatment like thumb arthritis surgery can be an option.
Why the procedure is performed
Typically, patients who get thumb arthritis surgery experience discomfort while doing daily activities. They have most likely tried a hand brace and injections, but they are still experiencing some sort of arthritis pain or thumb pain.
While it is not a guaranteed solution for thumb arthritis, this kind of surgery can grant more pain relief than pain medication.
Risk
Some risks of getting a surgery for thumb arthritis can include:
- Nerve irritation
- Joint stiffness
- Implant dislocation
- Other implant-related complications.
Before the procedure
Before getting thumb arthritis surgery, it is important to know how severe your thumb arthritis is. Sometimes, simple injections can make your thumb feel better.
If needed, surgery can involve removing damaged joint surfaces and creating a cushion of other tissues to keep the bones separate.
After the procedure
After the operation, you must give your hand a break.
Make sure not to drive right after the surgery and for up to 48 hours afterward.
Avoiding any heavy gripping, pulling or pinching with the thumb until your physician or physical therapist clears you to do these things. Avoid using your hand in general for one to two weeks.
Outlook (prognosis)
During the recovery process, you can expect some pain for up to three months after surgery. Symptoms will improve with daily activities after the initial three months.
Most patients will start to regain a good range of motion after six months. Symptoms will continue to improve up to a year post surgery.
Reference
Bakri K, Moran SL. Thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Feb;135(2):508-520. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000916. PMID: 25626796
Brent B. Pickrell, Kyle R. Eberlin, Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis, Clinics in Plastic Surgery, Volume 46, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 407-413, ISSN 0094-1298, ISBN 9780323682350,
Yousaf IS, Sanghavi KK, Higgins JP, Giladi AM, Means KR Jr. Use of Treatments after Recovery from Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023 Aug 1;152(2):293e-299e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010393. Epub 2023 Mar 14. PMID: 36912922