MedStar Health Revolutionizes Treatment for Thumb Arthritis with Innovative Joint Replacement Surgery
MedStar Health has taken a notable step forward in the treatment of thumb arthritis, particularly for those suffering from debilitating carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, commonly known as basal joint arthritis or rhizarthrosis. This painful condition impacts many older adults, with nearly five million Americans over the age of 50 affected by this form of hand arthritis. Hand surgeons at MedStar Health's facilities in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore have become pioneers in their regions by adopting the innovative TOUCH prosthesis, a breakthrough treatment aimed at alleviating the distress associated with thumb arthritis.
The introduction of the TOUCH CMC1 prosthesis marks a significant advancement in hand surgery, addressing a critical clinical need given that the CMC 1 joint at the base of the thumb is frequently subjected to osteoarthritis. The prosthesis features a small ball-and-socket design that effectively replaces the damaged thumb joint and is intended to enhance strength, mobility, and overall hand function while minimizing recovery time and post-operative discomfort.
Dr. Michael Kessler from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, D.C., performed the first procedure using the TOUCH prosthesis in April, with Dr. Aviram M. Giladi from the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore conducting the area’s first procedures shortly after. Both surgeons report that the surgery itself takes less than an hour, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Patients with thumb CMC arthritis suffer from the gradual wearing away of cartilage at the base of the thumb, leading to pain, reduced strength, and challenges in carrying out daily activities, such as gripping objects or turning keys. Traditional surgical methods have typically involved removing a small wrist bone called the trapezium and sometimes using tendon grafts, but these techniques can entail significant pain, prolonged recovery, and diminished thumb functionality.
By contrast, the TOUCH prosthesis offers a novel alternative that is often likened to a 'mini hip replacement for the thumb.' The procedure not only preserves the existing bone but also provides a replacement for the compromised joint, thus allowing patients to regain more natural thumb movement. The result is a surgery that minimizes pain and promotes a swifter recovery, thanks to maintaining the hand’s natural anatomical structure.
Dr. Kessler expressed the transformative potential of this new implant, stating, "Thumb arthritis can have a profound effect on a patient's quality of life, making even basic tasks a challenge. This impressive advancement in medical technology is an exciting option for restoring function faster to those affected, enabling them to partake in the activities they enjoy once more."
Dr. Giladi further emphasized the significance of this surgical option, noting its importance for patients experiencing advanced thumb arthritis after conventional methods have failed. He mentioned, "Patients must have adequate bone quality and joint stability to support the implant, making it a viable solution for many."
The TOUCH CMC1 prosthesis has been successfully implemented in Europe since its introduction in 2018 and received FDA premarket approval in 2025. Its success in the U.S. marks a new chapter in the approach to treat patients suffering from thumb arthritis effectively. MedStar Health continues its commitment to pioneering advances in hand and upper extremity surgery, providing patients with innovative solutions that enhance their quality of life.
For those looking to learn more about this exciting development and how it may benefit individuals living with thumb arthritis, more information is available through MedStar Health's hand and upper extremity care resources.
The introduction of the TOUCH CMC1 prosthesis marks a significant advancement in hand surgery, addressing a critical clinical need given that the CMC 1 joint at the base of the thumb is frequently subjected to osteoarthritis. The prosthesis features a small ball-and-socket design that effectively replaces the damaged thumb joint and is intended to enhance strength, mobility, and overall hand function while minimizing recovery time and post-operative discomfort.
Dr. Michael Kessler from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, D.C., performed the first procedure using the TOUCH prosthesis in April, with Dr. Aviram M. Giladi from the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore conducting the area’s first procedures shortly after. Both surgeons report that the surgery itself takes less than an hour, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Patients with thumb CMC arthritis suffer from the gradual wearing away of cartilage at the base of the thumb, leading to pain, reduced strength, and challenges in carrying out daily activities, such as gripping objects or turning keys. Traditional surgical methods have typically involved removing a small wrist bone called the trapezium and sometimes using tendon grafts, but these techniques can entail significant pain, prolonged recovery, and diminished thumb functionality.
By contrast, the TOUCH prosthesis offers a novel alternative that is often likened to a 'mini hip replacement for the thumb.' The procedure not only preserves the existing bone but also provides a replacement for the compromised joint, thus allowing patients to regain more natural thumb movement. The result is a surgery that minimizes pain and promotes a swifter recovery, thanks to maintaining the hand’s natural anatomical structure.
Dr. Kessler expressed the transformative potential of this new implant, stating, "Thumb arthritis can have a profound effect on a patient's quality of life, making even basic tasks a challenge. This impressive advancement in medical technology is an exciting option for restoring function faster to those affected, enabling them to partake in the activities they enjoy once more."
Dr. Giladi further emphasized the significance of this surgical option, noting its importance for patients experiencing advanced thumb arthritis after conventional methods have failed. He mentioned, "Patients must have adequate bone quality and joint stability to support the implant, making it a viable solution for many."
The TOUCH CMC1 prosthesis has been successfully implemented in Europe since its introduction in 2018 and received FDA premarket approval in 2025. Its success in the U.S. marks a new chapter in the approach to treat patients suffering from thumb arthritis effectively. MedStar Health continues its commitment to pioneering advances in hand and upper extremity surgery, providing patients with innovative solutions that enhance their quality of life.
For those looking to learn more about this exciting development and how it may benefit individuals living with thumb arthritis, more information is available through MedStar Health's hand and upper extremity care resources.
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