What is Thumb Base Arthritis?

Thumb base arthritis (osteoarthritis or cartilage ‘wear and tear’) is one of the commonest causes of hand pain, especially related to grip, in people above the age of 50 years. It is less frequently seen in younger adults following a previous thumb injury. The ‘thumb base’ refers to the first carpometacarpal joint (1st CMCJ), and pain is typically located where your thumb connects to your wrist. Arthritis may also occur at a neighbouring joint called the STTJ or scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint.

Symptoms of Thumb Base Arthritis

Causes of Thumb Base Arthritis

Treatment for Thumb Base Arthritis

Surgical treatment options include trapeziectomy and, for a few, thumb base replacement with an implant. Other options, such as thumb base fusion or arthroscopy (keyhole) treatment, are infrequently used. Thumb base surgery is usually performed under general or regional anaesthesia.

Non-surgical treatment options include thumb splintage, physiotherapy and steroid injection (e.g. cortisone).

Further Reading