By Dr. David Taormina, Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists
If you’ve ever experienced pain at the base of your thumb when opening a jar, turning a key, gripping a golf club, or even texting on your phone, you’re not alone. Arthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is one of the most common forms of hand arthritis, particularly among adults over the age of 50.
While many patients find relief with conservative treatments such as braces, medications, or injections, some eventually reach a point where surgery becomes the best option. Today, I’m excited to share a new advancement in thumb arthritis treatment that is now available for select patients at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists: the TOUCH CMC Joint Replacement System.
What Is Thumb CMC Arthritis?
The thumb CMC joint is located at the base of the thumb where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint allows the thumb to move in multiple directions, making it possible to pinch, grip, and perform countless everyday tasks.
Over time, the cartilage that cushions this joint can wear away, leading to arthritis. Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Weakness when gripping or pinching
- Difficulty opening jars or bottles
- Trouble turning keys or doorknobs
- Loss of hand function during daily activities
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
For many patients, symptoms gradually worsen over time and begin interfering with work, hobbies, and everyday life.
A New Surgical Option: The TOUCH CMC Joint Replacement
The TOUCH CMC 1 is a newly available, FDA-approved total joint replacement designed specifically for arthritis at the base of the thumb.
Similar in concept to a miniature hip replacement, the procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with a small, cementless implant designed to restore smooth motion while relieving pain.
What makes the TOUCH implant unique is its dual-mobility ball-and-socket design, which is intended to provide both stability and multidirectional movement of the thumb.
While this technology is new to the United States, it has been used clinically in Europe for several years with encouraging results and growing adoption among hand surgeons.
How Is It Different from Traditional Thumb Arthritis Surgery?
For decades, the most common surgical treatment for advanced thumb arthritis has involved removing a small wrist bone called the trapezium and reconstructing or suspending the thumb using nearby tissue.
These procedures remain excellent options for many patients and have helped countless individuals achieve pain relief.
However, the TOUCH CMC implant offers a different approach.
Instead of removing the trapezium, the implant is designed to preserve more of the patient’s natural anatomy while replacing the worn joint surfaces.
Potential advantages may include:
- Relief from arthritis pain
- Preservation of thumb motion
- Maintenance of thumb length and alignment
- Improved pinch and grip function
- Earlier motion during recovery
- A more natural-feeling joint for selected patients
As with any surgical procedure, outcomes vary from patient to patient, and ongoing research continues to evaluate long-term results.
Who May Be a Candidate?
Not everyone with thumb arthritis needs surgery, and not every surgical patient is an ideal candidate for joint replacement.
Potential candidates may include individuals who:
- Have significant pain at the base of the thumb
- Experience weakness with gripping or pinching
- Struggle with activities such as opening jars, turning keys, or lifting objects
- Have not achieved adequate relief from braces, medications, therapy, or injections
- Have anatomy and bone quality that support successful implant placement
A thorough evaluation, including physical examination and imaging studies, helps determine whether a thumb joint replacement is the right option.
Bringing Advanced Hand Care to the Gulf Coast
I recently completed the manufacturer’s hands-on certification program and am among a relatively small group of surgeons in the United States currently certified to perform this procedure.
The initial rollout of the TOUCH CMC implant remains limited and requires specialized surgeon training and certification. Because of this, access is currently available through select surgeons and specialty centers across the country.
As hand surgery continues to evolve, my goal is to bring innovative, evidence-based treatment options to patients here on the Gulf Coast so they can benefit from advancements that may improve pain, function, and quality of life.
The Bottom Line
Thumb arthritis can have a significant impact on daily activities, making even simple tasks frustrating and painful. While traditional treatments remain highly effective for many patients, the FDA-approved TOUCH CMC Joint Replacement offers an exciting new option for carefully selected individuals seeking relief from advanced thumb arthritis.
If thumb pain is limiting your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or perform everyday activities, a consultation with a hand specialist can help determine the treatment approach that is best for you.
To learn more about treatment options for thumb arthritis or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taormina, contact Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists today at (228) 230-2663 or visit https://app.nextdrvisit.com/request-appointment/BIENVILLE
