What is CMC Arthroplasty?
CMC Arthroplasty, also known as thumb basal joint reconstruction, is a surgical procedure aimed at treating thumb arthritis (also known as basal joint arthritis) by removing the damaged joint surfaces and reconstructing the joint with a graft or implant. This procedure helps alleviate pain, improve thumb function, and restore hand strength.
Why Might You Need CMC Arthroplasty?
CMC Arthroplasty may be recommended if you experience:
- Thumb Pain: Persistent pain at the base of the thumb, particularly with gripping or pinching.
- Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the thumb, especially when performing activities requiring fine motor skills.
- Thumb Instability: Thumb weakness or instability, making it challenging to hold objects securely.
- Worsening Symptoms: Symptoms that worsen over time or do not improve with non-surgical treatments such as splinting or medication.
What Are the Steps in a CMC Arthroplasty Procedure?
Preoperative Preparation
- Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive review of your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments.
- Diagnostic Assessment: Physical examination and possibly imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis and plan the procedure.
- Informed Consent: Detailed discussion of the procedure, potential benefits, and risks.
During the Procedure
- Patient Positioning: You will be comfortably positioned to allow easy access to the thumb base.
- Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
- Incision: A small incision is made at the base of the thumb to access the joint.
- Joint Resection: The damaged joint surfaces are removed, and any bone spurs are addressed.
- Reconstruction: The joint may be reconstructed using a tendon graft, a portion of a nearby tendon, or an implant.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Postoperative Care
- Observation: Brief period of monitoring after the procedure to ensure there are no immediate complications.
- Activity Guidelines: Instructions on caring for the incision and guidelines for gradually resuming normal activities.
- Hand Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises and hand therapy may be prescribed to improve thumb strength and function.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Postoperative Care
- Immediate Effects: Some relief from thumb pain and improved thumb function may be noticeable shortly after the procedure.
- Pain Management: Medications and techniques for managing postoperative pain and swelling.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduled to monitor healing, remove sutures, and assess hand function.
Potential Complications
While CMC Arthroplasty is generally safe, potential complications can include:
- Infection: Risk of infection at the incision site or within the joint.
- Nerve Damage: Rare but possible risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage.
- Implant Issues: Complications related to the use of implants, such as loosening or dislocation.
Benefits of CMC Arthroplasty in
Hand & Upper Extremity Management
- Pain Relief: Reduction in thumb pain and improved hand function.
- Improved Thumb Function: Enhanced ability to perform activities requiring thumb movement.
- Stabilization: Restoration of thumb stability for better grip and pinch strength.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved overall well-being and ability to engage in daily activities without thumb discomfort.
