Thumb (CMC Joint) Arthritis
This is the most common location for arthritis in the hand is due to wear and tear with use of the thumb throughout the patient’s years.
There is no cure for arthritis but there is treatment falling into three categories; no treatment, conservative, and surgery. Surgery as the last resort, when conservative treatment has failed, consists of a joint replacement using the patient’s normal body tissues and involves excising the arthritic bone and replacing it with a tendon taken from the wrist which is rolled up into a ball and used as a spacer and a portion of it is used to reconstruct the ligament. This is done through a small incision at the base of the thumb and a smaller incision at the base of the wrist to harvest the tendon used for the graft. It is an outpatient procedure performed under axillary block where only the arm goes to sleep. The patient is immobilized in a splint for two weeks, then a thumb spica cast for two weeks and then uses a removable custom made splint for two months while they are undergoing therapy for their thumb. The first month is to regain range of motion and the second month to regain strength. This concludes a three month postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Patients have a very good success rate with this surgery.
Before surgery is considered, conservative treatment is attempted which is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. This consists of use of a splint, possible anti-inflammatory medications, possible icing, and occasionally a cortisone injection which usually give good but temporary relief.
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Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Marumoto-Thank you for everything you have done for me. Your skills have enabled me to play sports again and have allowed me to regain an improved quality of life.
Although our visits were brief, I was truly inspired by you. I remain to this day in awe of your professional demeanor as well as you extremely impressive skills as a surgeon. Although you may not have known it, you were critical in my selection of a career in medicine. I hope to emulate you in my professional career.
In January, I was accepted into the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and next month I will start on the path that you have already tread, keeping you in mind as a role model and aiming to become as skillful and as knowledgeable as you.
Although words cannot adequately express my gratitude, thank you again for everything you have done for me. Best wishes to your always. Sincerely C.L
Dear Dr. Marumoto: Thank you for your kindness. My knee is much better. M.F.
Dear Dr. Marumoto-Thank you very much for doing my knee surgery. I am feeling much better after the physical therapy sessions. I hope I can continue doing sports soon!
