A CMCJ replacement, or carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty, is a surgical treatment for thumb joint injuries. Often, CMCJ is used to treat arthritis. CMCJ replaces the joint at the bottom of the thumb with an artificial joint.
CMCJ thumb replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in the thumb joint by replacing the damaged or arthritic joint with a prosthetic implant. This procedure is typically recommended when conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy have failed. The replacement joint provides improved stability and movement, allowing patients to regain full use of their thumb.
Osteoarthritis: Cartilage wear in the thumb joint leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Traumatic injuries: Fractures or dislocations can damage the thumb joint, affecting movement and function.
Overuse: Repetitive thumb movements can accelerate joint deterioration, leading to chronic pain.
Age-related degeneration: The natural wear of cartilage with age can result in limited joint mobility and pain.
Previous thumb conditions: Conditions like ligament damage or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to joint degeneration.
Diagnosis for CMCJ thumb replacement starts with a physical examination to assess pain, swelling, and range of motion in the thumb joint. X-rays or MRIs are often used to evaluate the extent of damage to the cartilage and joint structures.
If conservative treatments have not provided relief and joint degeneration is confirmed, CMCJ thumb replacement may be considered as a viable surgical option for restoring joint function and alleviating pain, particularly for patients with severe osteoarthritis or joint injuries.
Who it suits
CMCJ is a surgical treatment for patients who have CMC joint arthritis, who have continuing symptoms despite nonsurgical approaches.
CMC arthritis is caused by a loss of cartilage in the joint that connects the base of the thumb to the wrist. Because the cartilage isn’t there, the joint can’t move freely and painlessly. So, patients suffer with pain at the base of the thumb.
CMCJ surgery is a cutting-edge treatment that aims to resolve this. In the surgery, the joint at the base of the thumb is replaced with an artificial joint. It’s essentially a ‘thumb joint replacement’. During the surgery, the damaged cartilage in the CMC joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant made of either metal or silicone.
Cost and paying
We offer a range of flexible payment options to make your treatment experience smooth and stress-free.
Most patients choose to self-fund their treatment. We accept:
We’ve partnered with GoCardless to offer interest-free instalment options. You can easily set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost of your treatment over time.
Looking for a financing plan? You can apply through Kandoo, our trusted finance partner.
We work with a small number of approved insurance providers. However, due to restrictions from many insurers, not all treatments are covered. Please check with your insurer and speak to our team before booking to avoid disappointment.
What happens
Use our website to book an initial consultation, or give us a call.
Our doctors might request you arrange a scan before your initial consultation. Or, they’ll chat with you (face to face or online) and recommend a scan after your initial consultation, if they think you need one.
Once your scan results have been reviewed, and your doctor has explained your options, you will be booked in for treatment.
Following your treatment, your doctor will give you rehab recommendations.
You will be booked in for a follow-up consultation, so your doctor can check your progress. You might need further rehab after this consultation.
Once your doctor is happy with your recovery, you will be discharged. After discharge, we are always here for further questions or support, should you need it.
What happens after the surgery?
After surgery, your thumb will be well-bandaged and supported with a splint.
The splint helps keep your thumb in a natural position, whilst it heals. Your doctor will also prescribe pain meds to help manage your pain.
After 14 days, your stitches will be removed, though some of them might have dissolved naturally by then.
What is the recovery period for CMCJ replacement?
London Cartilage Clinic
We now offer select services at our Harley Street London clinic through the London Cartilage Clinic, led by internationally recognised surgeon Professor Paul Lee.
Our London clinic offers advanced treatments like cartilage regeneration and joint preservation to help patients avoid or delay joint replacement.
Located in Central London, our clinic provides convenient access to world-class musculoskeletal care without long NHS wait times.
If you would like to be seen in Central London, visit our London Clinic page for pricing, available treatments, and to book directly online.
Our Harley Street clinic uses cutting-edge techniques designed to reduce downtime and support faster, more effective recovery, getting you back to your lifestyle sooner.
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