Thumb arthritis can make everyday tasks like opening jars, turning keys, gripping objects, and pinching painful and frustrating. For patients with advanced thumb arthritis who have not found relief with conservative treatments, thumb joint replacement may provide a long-term solution.
One of the newest advancements in thumb arthritis treatment is the TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis, a dual-mobility thumb joint replacement designed to relieve pain, restore function, and preserve the natural anatomy of the thumb.
What is the CMC Joint?
The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is located at the base of the thumb, where the first metacarpal meets the trapezium bone in the wrist. This joint plays a critical role in grip strength, pinch strength, and overall hand function.
Over time, cartilage within the joint can wear away, causing thumb CMC arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis. As the cartilage deteriorates, bone rubs against bone, leading to pain, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
What is the TOUCH 1 CMC Prosthesis?
The TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis is a cementless, dual-mobility thumb joint replacement designed specifically to treat thumb CMC arthritis.
Unlike some traditional thumb arthritis surgeries, the TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis replaces the damaged joint while preserving the surrounding anatomy.
How the Procedure Works
During this procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged joint at the base of the thumb with an implant designed to help improve comfort, stability, and motion.
The main steps include:
1. Accessing the damaged thumb joint
The surgeon makes an incision to reach the worn or arthritic joint at the base of the thumb.
2. Removing damaged bone and extra bone spurs
Any damaged joint surfaces and bone spurs are removed so the thumb bone can move more freely and make room for the implant.
3. Preparing the thumb bone for the implant
The inside of the thumb bone is carefully shaped so the stem portion of the implant can fit securely.
4. Preparing the wrist-side bone for the implant
The surgeon identifies the correct position for the socket portion of the implant. X-ray imaging may be used during surgery to confirm proper placement.
5. Placing the implant components
Once the bones are prepared, the surgeon inserts the implant parts into the thumb bone and the wrist-side bone.
6. Testing movement and stability
The surgeon checks the thumb’s motion, tension, and stability to make sure the implant moves properly and does not catch or feel too tight or too loose.
7. Finalizing the implant
After confirming the correct fit, the final implant pieces are secured in place and the joint is put back into position.
8. Closing the incision
The incision is closed, and a dressing is placed over the surgical area.
In simpler terms:
The surgeon removes the damaged part of the thumb joint, prepares the surrounding bones, places a small artificial joint implant, checks that the thumb moves properly, and then closes the incision.
Benefits of TOUCH CMC 1 Thumb Joint Replacement
Potential benefits of TOUCH CMC 1 surgery include:
• Reduced thumb pain
• Improved grip and pinch strength
• Increased range of motion
• Better hand function for daily activities
• Preservation of the thumb’s natural anatomy
• Improved quality of life
Many patients experience meaningful improvements in their ability to perform tasks that were previously limited by thumb arthritis.
How Does TOUCH CMC 1 Compare to Traditional Thumb Arthritis Surgery?
Unlike traditional thumb arthritis surgery, which often requires removal of the trapezium bone and reconstruction using wrist tendons, the TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis is designed to preserve the thumb’s natural anatomy.
Instead of removing the trapezium, implants are placed within the trapezium and first metacarpal to recreate the joint. By preserving the bone and restoring the joint surface, this approach may promote greater stability, more natural thumb movement, and a smoother recovery experience.
Risks and Considerations
As with any thumb arthritis surgery or joint replacement procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These may include:
• Infection
• Pain, swelling, or hematoma
• Allergic reactions
• Implant loosening, movement, or wear
• Fractures around the implant
• Joint stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Tendon irritation or inflammation
• Numbness or changes in sensation
• Bone loss around the implant
• Rare complications requiring revision surgery
Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks and determine whether thumb joint replacement is appropriate for your condition.
Recovery After TOUCH CMC 1 Surgery
Recovery after TOUCH CMC 1 surgery is a gradual process that allows the thumb to heal while restoring motion and strength.
• Weeks 0–2: Patients leave the operating room in a soft dressing, which is worn until the first postoperative visit. During this time, gentle finger and elbow exercises are encouraged while avoiding lifting with the surgical hand.
• Weeks 2–6: At the first postoperative visit, patients are transitioned into a soft neoprene splint. Guided range-of-motion exercises begin to improve mobility while protecting the thumb as it heals.
• Weeks 6–16: Patients gradually progress to active motion, light daily activities, and strengthening exercises as healing continues.
• 6 Months and Beyond: Most patients can return to heavier gripping, lifting, and recreational activities once pain and swelling have resolved.
Following your surgeon’s and hand therapist’s recommendations throughout recovery can help ensure the best possible outcome and long-term thumb function.
Who Is a Candidate for TOUCH CMC 1 Surgery?
The TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis may be an option for adults with thumb arthritis who continue to experience pain despite trying non-surgical treatments.
You may be a candidate if you:
• Have persistent pain at the base of the thumb
• Struggle with gripping, pinching, or everyday hand activities
• Have tried splints, medications, injections, or hand therapy without sufficient relief
• Have been diagnosed with moderate thumb CMC arthritis
The TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis is designed for adults and is not intended for patients under the age of 22 or for women who are pregnant or nursing.
A consultation with a hand surgeon can help determine whether thumb joint replacement is the right treatment option for you.
Thumb Arthritis Treatment in Nashville, TN
If you’re struggling with thumb arthritis pain, the TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis may offer an innovative alternative to traditional thumb arthritis surgery. By preserving the thumb’s natural anatomy and replacing the damaged joint with specialized implants, this advanced thumb joint replacement is designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Patients throughout Tennessee can now access TOUCH CMC 1 surgery through Dr. Sam Crosby at Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics. As a hand and upper-extremity specialist, Dr. Crosby offers this advanced CMC joint replacement procedure for patients who have not found relief with conservative treatments.
With five convenient locations throughout the Nashville area—Midtown, Centennial, Green Hills, Brentwood, and Franklin—expert orthopedic care is never far away. To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Crosby, visit www.eliteorthopaedic.com.
Sources
Bents, R. T. (2020, April). Thumb CMC ARTHROPLASTY POST OP protocol. https://www.oregonortho.com/sites/oregonortho.com/files/patient-instructions/hand/Thumb-CMC-Arthroplasty-Post-Op-Protocol.pdf
Hand Center/Bone and Joint Center. (n.d.). After your thumb carpometacarpal joint Arthroplasty Surgery. Health Online.
Keri Medical SA. (2025, July). TOUCH® CMC 1 PROSTHESIS. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf24/P240020D.pdf
Patient information: Touch® CMC 1 prosthesis: Kerimedical. Kerimedical US. (n.d.). https://www.kerimedical.us/patients/
Thumb-joint-replacement – Lexington Clinic. (n.d.). https://lexingtonclinic.com/thumb-joint-replacement
Author: Maria Martini
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