The Rush Approach to Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery
Thumb arthritis can make simple activities like writing and opening a jar difficult. If other treatments haven’t worked for you, Rush’s expert orthopedic surgeons offer thumb CMC joint replacement services. This innovative procedure can eliminate pain and restore strength and function to your thumb.
Jonathan Tueting, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Rush, was the first in the U.S. to offer thumb joint replacement. This surgical approach uses a small prosthetic joint to replace the basal joint, the small joint where your thumb meets your wrist.
Thumb joint replacement, also called CMC or basal joint replacement, can provide better pain relief with a faster recovery time than other thumb arthritis surgeries. Rush Copley Medical Center is the leading hospital in the Chicago area to offer CMC joint replacement.
What Is Thumb Joint Replacement?
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down. This can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected areas. Osteoarthritis can affect any movable joint, and it commonly affects the hands, knees and hips.
Arthritis commonly affects the basal joint of the thumb, also called the carpometacarpal or CMC joint. This joint at the bottom of your thumb allows you to pinch and grip. CMC arthritis is more common among women than men and usually begins after age 40.
During thumb joint replacement, a prosthesis is used to replace the basal joint. This prosthesis works like a tiny hip replacement for the thumb. By replacing the worn cartilage in the thumb joint with a tiny metal ball and socket joint, the prosthesis allows full natural movement of your thumb with less pain and improved strength and function.
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Is Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery Right for Me?
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your thumb joint, and treatments like medication, steroid injections, splints and therapy haven’t worked for you, thumb joint replacement could help relieve your pain.
You might consider thumb joint replacement if:
- You have moderate or severe arthritis in your CMC joint
- Nonsurgical treatments like medication, ice, splints, therapy, and injections have not worked
- You are unable to perform daily tasks like writing, pinching or opening a jar due to pain
- You are 40 or older
Choosing Rush for Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery
- Treatment you won’t find elsewhere: Rush Copley Medical Center was the first hospital in the U.S. to perform a total basal thumb joint replacement. This innovative procedure offers faster recovery and better pinch and grip restoration than other surgeries. Rush Copley Medical Center has completed the highest number of thumb joint replacements in the Midwest.
- Experienced hand surgeons: Rush sees the most upper extremity (arm) patients of any health system in Illinois. Our orthopedic surgeons are experienced in the latest surgical techniques and are constantly advancing care to improve outcomes.
- Personalized care: Though our expert orthopedic surgeons treat thousands of patients, every case is unique. Our doctors will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage thumb joint arthritis and get back to doing what you love.
- Integrated physical therapy: Your care doesn’t stop after surgery. Rush’s expert physical and occupational therapists will help you heal and regain full use of your hand.
FAQs About Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery
Thumb joint replacement treats thumb arthritis. This surgery improves pain, strength and range of motion in the CMC joint at the base of the thumb.
Symptoms of CMC arthritis include:
- Pain in your thumb, especially when pinching or grabbing objects
- Swelling, deformity and tenderness at the base of your thumb
- Stiffness or difficulty moving your thumb
There are many different treatments for arthritis in your thumb. Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Corticosteroid injections are another common treatment for arthritis. Heat and ice, nutrition counseling and physical therapy can help you manage arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
If nonsurgical treatments have not worked, CMC joint replacement can help you use your thumb pain-free.
You will be able to go home the same day, shortly after CMC joint surgery.
You can book an appointment online, or call (630) 978-3800 to make an appointment.
Surgeons commonly treat CMC joint arthritis by performing a trapeziectomy and thumb stabilization through either the patient’s own tendon graft or suture or other stabilizing medical device. This procedure removes the trapezium joint in the hand. The joint is usually replaced by a tendon graft or suture to stabilize the joint after the trapezium is removed.
Thumb joint replacement replaces the painful basal joint with an artificial ball and socket joint. This approach to thumb arthritis surgery can lead to a much faster recovery and more natural-feeling movement than other procedures.
Yes, if osteoarthritis affects both of your thumbs, you can have staged procedures. You will likely have separate surgeries two to three months apart.
