From The Doctor’s Desk

Colorado Center of Orthopedic Excellence is proud to offer the Touch CMC thumb implant, a new option for patients living with thumb arthritis and ongoing thumb joint pain. Dr. Ky Kobayashi, Dr. Gregg Martyak, Dr. Karl Larsen and Dr. Chance Henderson are trained in the Touch CMC1 Thumb Implant system and are currently the only physicians in Southern Colorado with access to this limited-release technology. It is designed to replace the damaged joint and support thumb motion, stability and function.

Thumb arthritis is one of the most common forms of hand arthritis, often affecting the joint at the base of the thumb, known as the carpometacarpal joint, or CMC joint. This small but important joint helps the thumb move, grip, pinch and rotate. When arthritis damages the cartilage in this area, everyday activities such as opening jars, turning keys, writing, gripping a steering wheel or using a phone can become painful and difficult.

A New Thumb Implant for CMC Arthritis

The Touch CMC1 Thumb Implant is designed for thumb joint replacement in select patients with arthritis at the base of the thumb. Unlike some traditional procedures that remove the arthritic joint and use surrounding soft tissue to stabilize the thumb, this thumb implant replaces the damaged CMC joint with a small prosthetic joint.

The implant uses a dual-mobility, ball-and-socket design intended to support thumb motion, stability and function. While the Touch CMC1 system is newer in the United States, it has been used in Europe for several years and received FDA Premarket Approval for specific patients with symptomatic thumb CMC osteoarthritis.

For patients with thumb arthritis, this may provide another surgical option when non-surgical care is no longer providing enough relief.

Understanding Thumb Arthritis and Thumb Joint Pain

Thumb arthritis can develop gradually over time as cartilage wears down inside the joint. It may also be influenced by prior injury, repetitive hand use, joint laxity or normal age-related changes. Symptoms may include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb
• Swelling or tenderness near the thumb joint
• Loss of pinch or grip strength
• Pain with twisting, grasping or gripping
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• A bump or enlarged appearance near the base of the thumb

Not every patient with thumb joint pain needs surgery. Many people improve with non-surgical treatment such as bracing, activity modification, hand therapy, medications or injections. However, when thumb arthritis becomes more advanced and begins to interfere with daily life, a hand specialist can help determine whether surgery may be appropriate.

Specialized Thumb Arthritis Care in Southern Colorado

CCOE’s hand and upper extremity surgeons provide comprehensive care for thumb arthritis, wrist and hand conditions, sports injuries, fractures, tendon injuries and other upper extremity concerns. With access to the Touch CMC thumb implant, Dr. Kobayashi, Dr. Martyak and Dr. Larsen can evaluate whether this technology may be an option for appropriate patients with thumb CMC arthritis.

Because each patient’s anatomy, arthritis severity, goals and overall health are different, treatment begins with a detailed evaluation. Imaging may be used to assess the thumb joint, confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.

Is the Touch CMC Thumb Implant Right for You?

The Touch CMC thumb implant is not right for every patient with thumb arthritis. Your surgeon will consider several factors, including the severity of arthritis, joint alignment, bone quality, activity level, prior treatments and your personal goals.

Patients who may benefit from an evaluation include those who have:

• Persistent thumb joint pain despite non-surgical treatment
• Difficulty gripping, pinching or using the hand
• Pain that interferes with work, hobbies or daily activities
• Diagnosed arthritis at the base of the thumb
• Interest in learning about advanced thumb joint replacement options

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function and help patients return to the activities that matter most.

Meet CCOE’s Touch CMC1-Trained Hand Surgeons

Dr. Ky Kobayashi, Dr. Gregg Martyak, Dr. Karl Larsen and Dr. Chance Henderson are trained in the Touch CMC1 Thumb Implant system and provide specialized care for hand, wrist and upper extremity conditions in Colorado Springs.

Their training and access to this limited-release implant system allow CCOE to offer an advanced thumb joint replacement option for patients in Southern Colorado seeking relief from thumb arthritis and thumb joint pain.

Schedule a Thumb Arthritis Consultation

If thumb joint pain is making it difficult to grip, pinch, work or enjoy daily activities, it may be time to speak with a hand specialist. Schedule a consultation with one of CCOE’s hand and upper extremity specialists to learn more about thumb arthritis treatment options, including whether the Touch CMC thumb implant may be appropriate for you.