Thumb Joint Replacement
With the TOUCH® CMC 1 Prosthesis
Advanced Thumb Arthritis Treatment in Glastonbury
Thumb arthritis can make even the simplest daily activities difficult. Tasks like opening jars, turning keys, gripping objects, texting, or buttoning clothing may become painful as the joint at the base of the thumb wears down over time.
At The Hand Center, patients have access to thumb joint replacement using the TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis, an innovative treatment option for thumb arthritis offered by only a few practices in the country. Board-certified, fellowship-trained hand surgeon Dr. Daniel Mastella performs this advanced procedure, helping patients throughout the Glastonbury area find relief from pain, restore hand function, and return to their activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Understanding Thumb Arthritis
The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is located at the base of the thumb where the thumb metacarpal connects to the trapezium bone in the wrist. This highly mobile joint allows the thumb to pinch, grip, rotate, and move in multiple directions.
Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the joint can gradually wear away. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin rubbing against each other, leading to inflammation and joint damage. This condition is known as thumb CMC arthritis or basal joint arthritis.
Common symptoms of thumb arthritis include:
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling or tenderness
- Weak grip or pinch strength
- Difficulty opening jars or grasping objects
- Stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Discomfort during everyday hand activities
Thumb arthritis is especially common in women over 40, individuals with repetitive hand use, and patients with previous thumb injuries or joint instability.
What Is the TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis?
The TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis is a total thumb joint replacement implant designed to treat arthritis affecting the thumb CMC joint. This implant uses a cementless, dual-mobility ball-and-socket design intended to support joint stability while preserving natural thumb movement. Although newer to the United States, the TOUCH prosthesis has a 30-year history of use in Europe for the treatment of thumb arthritis.
The goal of thumb joint replacement is to reduce pain, improve hand function, and help patients regain the ability to use their hands more comfortably.
Benefits of Thumb Joint Replacement With the TOUCH Prosthesis
Patients who undergo this procedure may experience:
- Reduced thumb and hand pain
- Improved grip and pinch strength
- Enhanced thumb mobility and range of motion
- Better hand function during daily activities
- Increased joint stability
- Preservation of natural thumb movement
Every patient is different, and Dr. Mastella will determine whether thumb joint replacement is appropriate based on your symptoms, joint condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Is Thumb Joint Replacement Right for You?
If thumb arthritis pain is interfering with your normal routine and conservative treatments are no longer providing relief, thumb joint replacement with the TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis may be an option. Dr. Mastella will assess your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mastella at The Hand Center, please request an appointment online or call (860) 527-7161.
Patient Education Center
Understanding your condition is an important part of your recovery. Our patient education center provides reliable, easy-to-understand information about common hand and upper extremity conditions, treatment options, and recovery expectations.
Whether you are preparing for surgery, managing arthritis, recovering from an injury, or exploring nonsurgical care options, our educational resources are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health.