CMC Arthroplasty: Surgical Relief for Thumb Arthritis

Thumb arthritis, particularly at the base of the thumb (called basilar thumb arthritis), is one of the most common hand issues we treat. This joint, known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, bears the brunt of your hand’s force every time you pinch, grip, or lift—making it prone to wear and tear over time. Dr. Todd Pitts explains how CMC arthroplasty can provide long-term relief when non-surgical treatments like bracing, medications, and steroid injections no longer work. ⸻ What Is CMC Arthroplasty? CMC arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to treat arthritis at the base of the thumb. Unlike hip or knee replacements that use metal implants, this surgery involves removing a small bone called the trapezium to create space between the thumb and wrist bones—relieving the painful grinding caused by arthritis. To support the thumb after removing the trapezium, Dr. Pitts performs a suspensionplasty, using a suture anchor to suspend the thumb and keep it from collapsing into the empty space. Over time, your body forms natural scar tissue—what one surgeon fondly calls “nature’s marshmallow”—to cushion the joint and preserve mobility.