Thumb arthritis surgery: New joint replacement offers faster recovery

A new surgical option for thumb arthritis is now available in the western United States, offering potential for improved function, faster recovery, and reduced pain for patients. Surgeons at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital performed the first procedure of its kind in the region on February 16th.

A New Approach to Thumb Arthritis Surgery

Thumb arthritis, a common condition affecting an estimated 7% of men and 15% of women – including up to one-third of postmenopausal women – can cause significant pain and grip weakness. The new surgery utilizes a Swiss-designed prosthesis called the Touch CMC 1 Dual Mobility Trapeziometracarpal Prosthesis. Dr. Louis Catalano, a hand surgeon involved in the procedure, described it as “a hip replacement for a squirrel.”

Did You Know? European surgeons have been performing this type of thumb arthritis surgery since 2018, with over 150,000 European patients receiving the Touch CMC 1 prosthesis.

The team from the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine Department of Orthopedics underwent specialized training in France, Belgium, and Switzerland to learn the surgical technique. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted conditional approval for the prosthesis in July 2025, paving the way for its use in clinical trials.

Why Rethinking Thumb Arthritis Surgery Matters

Traditional thumb arthritis surgery often involves removing the trapezium bone, a small bone in the wrist. This can lead to weeks of post-operative pain, diminished pinch strength, and a slightly shortened thumb. The Touch CMC 1 prosthesis, however, is embedded into the trapezium and the first metacarpal, preserving more of the natural structure and potentially leading to a less traumatic recovery.

Expert Insight: The shift towards this new prosthetic approach represents a significant effort to minimize trauma and improve functional outcomes for patients suffering from thumb arthritis, potentially reducing reliance on pain medication and accelerating recovery timelines.

The initial surgery at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital was successful, and the patient is scheduled to receive the procedure on her other thumb in the spring. Approximately 50 patients who have already explored non-surgical options are currently scheduled to receive the Touch CMC 1 prosthesis at the hospital.

Future Possibilities

The surgeons are participating in a U.S. Clinical trial to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Touch CMC 1. They also plan to train colleagues at other UCHealth facilities throughout Colorado, potentially expanding access to this new surgical option. Currently, the procedure is also offered at medical centers in Texas, Illinois, and on the East Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Touch CMC 1 prosthesis?

The Touch CMC 1 is a Swiss-designed thumb prosthesis, described as a “ball joint” or “a hip replacement for a squirrel,” used to replace a thumb-base joint damaged by arthritis.

What is the difference between this surgery and traditional thumb arthritis surgery?

Traditional surgery often involves removing the trapezium bone, while the new surgery embeds the Touch CMC 1 prosthesis into the trapezium and the first metacarpal, preserving more of the natural bone structure.

Where is this surgery currently available in the U.S.?

As of February 2026, the surgery is available at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, as well as medical centers in Texas, Illinois, and on the East Coast.

How might advancements in prosthetic design and surgical techniques continue to improve the lives of those affected by arthritis?