Thumb Arthritis

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Depending on the severity of arthritis and the functional demands of the patient, there are a number of treatment options for thumb arthritis.

Often the first treatment for thumb arthritis is an injection. We offer both steroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections (artificial joint lubricant) to patients who have not received treatment for their thumb arthritis in the past and who have relatively mild to moderate arthritis.

Mini tight-rope suspension arthroplasty involves removal of the arthritic bone (the trapezium) followed by suspension of the base of the thumb metacarpal with a mini tight rope. This procedure allows for immediate relief from the arthritis pain and the ability to use the thumb right away with minimal down time or the need for prolonged splint or cast use. 

Although mini tight rope suspension arthroplasty is an effective treatment for the majority of patients with thumb arthritis, there are some patients who would benefit from an implant arthroplasty. The system that Dr. Cinats is currently offering is the BioPro Modular Thumb Implant arthroplasty.