At MedStar Health, we help identify what is causing your thumb pain and guide you toward a treatment path that fits your life.
Arthritis at the base of the thumb can make daily tasks harder—from opening jars and turning keys to cooking, texting, or writing. You deserve clear answers, real options, and a care team that recognizes how much thumb pain can affect your independence.
What is TOUCH™ CMC1 thumb joint replacement?
For patients with advanced thumb arthritis, our specialized surgeons offer TOUCH™ CMC1 thumb joint replacement—a treatment designed to help your thumb move more naturally while supporting strength and everyday hand use.
This small ball-and-socket prosthetic implant is used to treat arthritis at the base of the thumb. Sometimes described as a “mini hip replacement for the thumb,” it replaces worn joint surfaces with a smooth new surface so the bones in the joint can glide more easily. The implant is designed to support stability, strength, and long-term use, and has been used in Europe since 2018. It received U.S. FDA premarket approval in 2025.
How the TOUCH CMC1 procedure works
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after surgery:
Before surgery
Your team explains your anesthesia plan, which may include numbing medicine for the arm, sedation, or another option based on your needs.
During surgery
Your surgeon removes the worn joint surfaces and places the implant to help the thumb move more naturally while preserving the trapezium, a small wrist bone that supports thumb position, length, and pinch strength.
After surgery
Most patients go home the same day with the hand protected. Your team reviews splinting, activity limits, therapy, and what to expect during recovery.
Benefits of the TOUCH CMC1 prosthesis
For people with advanced thumb arthritis, potential benefits of this approach may include:
- Less pain for many patients after surgery
- More natural thumb movement and function
- Improved pinch and grip strength for everyday tasks
- Preserved bone structure at the base of the thumb
- A potentially smoother recovery than some traditional procedures
- Same-day surgery for most patients
- A return to activities you enjoy, when healing allows
If TOUCH CMC1 thumb joint replacement has been recommended, or if you want to learn whether surgery may be appropriate, a MedStar Health hand specialist can talk with you about next steps.
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