What Is Cmc Surgery

Thumb CMC arthroplasty involves removing the small wrist bone that is part of the CMC joint and replacing it with a wrist flexor tendon. During the procedure, a small incision (approximately 1.5 inches) is made over the CMC joint, and the trapezium wrist bone is removed.

How is CMC surgery done?

Surgical procedure Your surgeon makes an incision down the back of the thumb to the wrist exposing the CMC joint with care taken to avoid damage to adjacent nerves. The carpometacarpal joint is exposed and the capsule is opened. The trapezium bone is identified and excised completely or partially.

What is the recovery time for CMC surgery?

The first 6 weeks are tough with pain, weakness, and stiffness in the thumb. Most patients have minimal pain by 3 months after surgery. Your symptoms will continue to improve with improvements in ability to do more activities every 3 months.