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Hand and Upper Extremity

Ganglion Cyst Removal

Removing a fluid-filled cyst from the wrist or hand along with the stalk that connects it to the joint, to relieve pain and lower recurrence.
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Hand and Upper Extremity

Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Reconstructing the arthritic joint at the base of the thumb by removing the worn bone and stabilizing the thumb with a tendon or implant, to restore pain-free pinch.
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ContactTalk toa real person.
Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.
Call801-640-0000
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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104
Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330
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What it is

Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

The carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb carries enormous load with every pinch and twist and is among the most common places for arthritis in the hand.
When it wears, opening jars and turning keys hurts.Arthroplasty removes the worn trapezium bone and stabilizes the thumb using a nearby tendon, a suture suspension, or an implant.
Performed by
M. Shane Frazier, DO, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. FrazierHand and Upper Extremity
Toby Johnson, MD, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. JohnsonHand and Upper Extremity
Travis Peterson, DO, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. PetersonHand and Upper Extremity
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or call801-640-0000
Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Who It Helps

Surgery fits patients whose thumb base pain limits daily tasks despite splinting, activity modification, anti-inflammatories and injections.Many patients manage well for years without surgery, and we support that path as long as it works.
Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under regional block or general anesthesia, about an hour.A splint or cast for four to six weeks.Dr. Frazier, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Peterson each perform the technique they have found most reliable and will explain the choice.Thumb arthroplasty is outpatient; hand therapy afterward is arranged with a certified hand therapist in Utah Valley. Dr. Frazier, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Peterson operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Orem Community Hospital.
Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Recovery Timeline

Immobilization for four to six weeks, then hand therapy to rebuild motion and pinch.Light use at six to eight weeks, and most strength by three to six months, continuing to improve through a year.Pain relief is reliable. Pinch strength recovers to roughly what it was before arthritis set in.
Milestones
Week 4 to 6Splint or cast
Week 6 to 8Light use, therapy
Month 3 to 6Most strength
Year 1Still improving
Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Risks and Considerations

Stiffness, tenderness at the base of the thumb, and temporary numbness from the small nerves nearby are the common issues.Infection and tendon problems are uncommon.Some settling of the thumb over time is expected and rarely affects function.
Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Your Surgeons

Dr. Frazier, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Peterson perform this procedure at Utah Valley Hospital, Orem Community Hospital, American Fork Hospital and Mountain View Hospital.
Dr. Frazier, DO
Fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Seventeen years in practice. Fluent in Spanish.
Dr. Johnson, MD
Weill Cornell graduate, hand fellowship at Allegheny General. Twenty-one years in practice and seventeen as a collegiate team physician.
Dr. Peterson, DO
Hand surgery fellowship at UMass Chan. Office-based, wide-awake carpal tunnel release. Fifteen years in practice. Speaks German.
Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Related Procedures and Conditions

Trigger Finger Release
Scaphoid Fracture Repair
Thumb Arthritis
Hand and Wrist Osteoarthritis
Request an appointment
or call801-640-0000
ContactTalk toa real person.
Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.
Call801-640-0000
TextSend a text
Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104
Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330
Request an appointment
Find a clinic
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyPrivacy Practices
NondiscriminationAccessibilityGood Faith Estimate