CMC Suspensionplasty With APL Graft and InternalBrace™ Ligament Augmentation

In this video, we demonstrate carpometacarpal (CMC) suspensionplasty thumb surgery using an APL tendon graft with InternalBrace™ ligament augmentation, an advanced technique for treating basal joint arthritis at the base of the thumb. Thumb CMC arthritis occurs when the joint between the thumb metacarpal and trapezium deteriorates over time due to wear and tear, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty with pinch and grip activities. 🔧 Procedure Overview The procedure begins with an incision at the wrist to access the affected joint. The surgeon identifies and removes the trapezium bone, eliminating the painful bone-on-bone contact. Once the trapezium is removed, a suspension construct is needed to prevent collapse of the thumb metacarpal into the empty space. A portion of a tendon, commonly the abductor pollicis longus (APL), is harvested and prepared as a graft. Bone tunnels are drilled in the thumb metacarpal and index metacarpal, and the tendon graft is combined with InternalBrace suture tape for added support. This construct is secured using anchors, suspending the thumb and stabilizing the joint in a functional position. ✅ Key Benefits of CMC Suspensionplasty with the InternalBrace™ Eliminates painful arthritic joint surfaces Maintains thumb spacing and alignment Reinforces repair with suture tape augmentation Preserves pinch and grip function Strong, durable fixation 👍 Clinical Applications This procedure is commonly used for: Thumb CMC arthritis (basal joint arthritis) Painful grip and pinch weakness Joint degeneration unresponsive to conservative treatment Active patients requiring functional restoration 🏃 Recovery & Outcomes Postoperative care typically includes: Immobilization in a splint Gradual range-of-motion exercises Hand therapy to restore strength Patients often experience improved function, reduced pain, and restored thumb mechanics. 🎯 Who This Video Is For Hand surgeons & orthopedic specialists Residents learning thumb reconstruction techniques Patients researching thumb arthritis surgery Medical device professionals 👇 Helpful Arthrex Reference Links: https://www.arthrex.com/shoulder/bone... https://www.arthrex.com/shoulder?utm_... 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to see more patient success stories and innovations in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures. Arthrex is a global leader in orthopedic surgical innovation, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive techniques and medical education. Our mission is to help surgeons treat their patients better by providing cutting-edge products, expert training, and comprehensive resources for orthopedic procedures, including sports medicine, joint preservation, and trauma care. Stay Connected: 👍 Subscribe to our channel for the latest in orthopedic surgical techniques and product updates. 📱 Follow Arthrex on: LinkedIn: /   / arthrex   Facebook: /   / arthrex   Instagram: /   / arthrexmeded   X: https://x.com/arthrex