Pain at the base of the thumb is one of the most common forms of arthritis I treat. Known as basal joint arthritis or carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, this condition affects the joint where the thumb meets the wrist. Because the thumb is responsible for nearly half of the hand’s function, even simple daily activities such as opening a jar, turning a key, gripping a golf club, texting, or lifting a grandchild can become painful and frustrating.
Thumb basal joint arthritis develops as the protective cartilage wears away over time, allowing bone to rub against bone. Patients often notice aching, weakness, loss of grip strength, and pain with pinching or twisting motions. While splints, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and hand therapy may provide temporary relief in the early stages, many patients eventually reach a point where surgery becomes the best option.
For decades, the standard surgical treatment in the United States has involved removing the arthritic trapezium bone and reconstructing the joint using a tendon harvested from the patient’s wrist. While this operation has helped many patients, it often requires a lengthy recovery, prolonged immobilization, and several months before patients regain strength and function.
Today, there is an exciting alternative that is transforming the treatment of thumb arthritis.
The KeriTouch CMC1 arthroplasty is an innovative implant that has been successfully used throughout Europe and offers patients a more anatomic reconstruction of the thumb joint. Rather than relying on tendon sacrifice, this procedure replaces the damaged joint with a specially designed implant that restores stability while preserving normal thumb mechanics.
I am proud to have been the first surgeon in Texas to perform the KeriTouch CMC1 arthroplasty and only the second surgeon in the United States to introduce this advanced procedure. After training with leading European hand surgeons who pioneered this technique, I have incorporated this technology into my practice with outstanding results.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this procedure is how quickly patients regain function. While every patient heals differently, many experience significantly less postoperative discomfort and return to daily activities much sooner than with traditional reconstructive techniques. My patients have consistently demonstrated excellent motion, improved strength, and high satisfaction while returning to work, sports, golf, tennis, pickleball, gardening, and other activities they enjoy.
Not every patient with thumb arthritis is a candidate for the KeriTouch implant. A thorough evaluation, including physical examination and specialized X-rays, helps determine the most appropriate treatment. Factors such as bone quality, the stage of arthritis, activity level, and individual goals all play an important role in selecting the best surgical option.
As a fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeon, my philosophy has always been to offer each patient the treatment that provides the greatest opportunity for long-term pain relief while preserving function. I believe that advances in implant technology continue to reshape what is possible in hand surgery, allowing us to restore movement rather than simply eliminate pain.
For patients who have struggled with persistent thumb pain despite conservative treatment, the KeriTouch CMC1 arthroplasty represents an exciting advancement. By combining proven European experience with modern surgical techniques, we can often help patients recover faster, regain confidence in their hands, and return to the activities that matter most.
If pain at the base of your thumb is limiting your quality of life, don’t assume you have to live with it. A comprehensive evaluation can determine whether this innovative procedure—or another treatment option—is right for you. The goal is simple: relieve pain, restore function, and help you get back to living life without being limited by thumb arthritis.
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