Arthroplasty

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage layer wears out, resulting in direct contact between the bones. This contact produces pain and deformity. One of the most common joints to develop osteoarthritis is at the base of the thumb, also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

Patients with advanced disease or who fail non-surgical treatment may need surgical reconstruction. One surgical option would be for the doctor to perform CMC Arthroplasty, a surgical procedure in which the arthritic bone is removed and the joint is reconstructed. Other surgical treatments include joint fusion, bone realignment, and even arthroscopy in select cases.