Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Thumb carpometacarpal joint is the most common upper extremity arthritis requiring surgical reconstruction. Varying clinical pictures from occasional pain to disabling instability make identifying and treating this disease both challenging and gratifying. Nonoperative interventions such as activity modifications, occupational therapy, and splinting can be effective but surgical treatment remains the standard for end stage arthritis. Various surgical options such as arthroscopy, osteotomy, fusion, and arthroplasty are all discussed in this chapter.