The last thing Stephanie* expected to be doing over the weekend was scouring the internet for everything she could find on thumb arthritis surgery, let alone learning the word trapeziectomy. But she was at her wits’ end after months of worsening pain at the base of her thumb. She knew she had to figure out what she was dealing with once and for all.
She first noticed something was wrong after an awkward fall during a holiday ski trip. At first, she assumed it was a mild strain and chose to wait it out. Instead of getting better, the pain slowly worsened—turning everyday tasks like opening doors, texting, and gripping household objects into frustrating challenges. She tried braces, therapy, and steroid injections, and they all worked—temporarily. Eventually, her hand surgeon explained that the fall likely exacerbated an underlying issue called thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, and it was time to seriously consider surgery as the next logical step.
Stephanie’s story mirrors what many patients experience as thumb arthritis progresses. More often than not, the first step is conservative treatment to reduce pain and preserve function. But thumb arthritis surgery, which includes options such as trapeziectomy, is nothing to fear. Advances in technology make these and related procedures quick and minimally invasive. Not to mention, the result is almost always meaningful relief when it matters most.
Are You Experiencing These Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis?
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling and tenderness
- Grip weakness
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Slight deformity at the thumb joint
Why and When Thumb Arthritis Surgery Is Recommended
Thumb arthritis is extremely common, affecting 11-33% of men and women in their 50s and 60s. It is a painful condition marked by pain at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist. Most of us never think about this tiny joint and may even assume it does not do much. The reality is that, when working correctly, it is a versatile joint that allows the thumb to be very flexible and move in multiple directions.
The problem is that this joint can be easily damaged, and the joint cartilage between the bones can break down. Cartilage is a strong, flexible connective tissue that serves as a shock absorber for our joints and reduces friction between them. But we are not blessed with an endless supply of it. Cartilage can be damaged and even worn down over time, especially by injury or overuse. Symptoms often start gradually and worsen over time, especially with repetitive use.
Patients with chronic and debilitating thumb arthritis may find it increasingly difficult to perform tasks that many of us take for granted. This can include everything from gripping a steering wheel to tying shoelaces and buttoning a shirt. They may also find that physical therapy, ice packs, steroid injections, rest, ice and heat, and even splinting do not offer any relief.
That is not to suggest that conservative methods do not work. In fact, many patients experience meaningful relief with these treatments—particularly in early or moderate stages of arthritis. However, these approaches do not reverse the condition, and their effectiveness may diminish over time.
This is when thumb arthritis surgery and other forms of hand surgery may be recommended, especially if:
- Conservative treatments do not work
- Symptoms continue to worsen
- There are impacts on sleep, work performance, etc.
- Delaying surgery risks permanent damage
Thumb arthritis is extremely common, affecting 11-33% of men and women in their 50s and 60s.
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on symptoms and functional limitations—not X-rays alone. And there are plenty of effective options. Surgery has been known to repair damaged joints and help patients live as pain-free as possible. Surgical options for hand arthritis include fusion (arthrodesis) and total knuckle replacement (arthroplasty). In surgery for thumb arthritis, the damaged joint surfaces can be removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated. In other situations, a bone can be removed to create more room.
Trapeziectomy: A Common Thumb Arthritis Surgery Option
For patients like Stephanie, a trapeziectomy may be the best choice. A trapeziectomy can restore movement and reduce stiffness when arthritis at the base of the thumb becomes debilitating. Here’s how it works:
Your Fort Worth orthopedic hand surgeon will surgically remove the trapezium bone, a small bone at the base of the thumb. In doing so, the thumb has more space to move without the inflamed, arthritic bones rubbing against each other. Depending on your unique situation, your surgeon will fill the gap with a folded tendon using a tendon graft. They may also choose to fill it with a spacer. Either way, the goal is to support the joint, create more space, and eliminate unnecessary rubbing. Since there is an incision, post-surgical processes include closing the wound and immobilizing the hand. Physical therapy will also be relied on to help the patient regain strength and movement.
Full recovery can take six months to a year. That said, clinical studies consistently show that:
- Pain relief is the most predictable outcome
- Daily hand function improves significantly
- Grip and pinch strength may temporarily decrease but typically recover with time and therapy
- Long-term patient satisfaction rates are high
There are plenty of studies that back up these claims. One study compared the benefits of trapeziectomy with joint replacement techniques in 1,005 eligible patients and found that, while key pinch strength was sometimes better with joint replacement, pain outcomes were similar with both options. More importantly, joint replacement had higher rates of overall complications and revision surgeries than trapeziectomy.
In a similar study, it was found that trapeziectomy is highly beneficial in patients 55 or older and can result in considerable improvements in pain and grip strength up to 10 years post-surgery.
The important thing to note here is that thumb arthritis surgery, including trapeziectomy, is not about rushing into an operation. It is about restoring comfort, function, and independence when other treatments no longer work. For some people, rest, ice, therapy, and even splints can provide long-lasting relief. That said, outcomes for properly selected patients are often more reliable and life changing.
Our Fort Worth hand surgeons and physician assistants are always here to help our patients make the best choices. The first goal is to advise patients on beneficial conservative treatments. However, for those in which hand surgery is the best course of action, the Fort Worth Hand Center utilizes the most up-to-date technologies with a minimally invasive approach. This helps patients heal faster and have a less painful recovery.
In a study, it was found that trapeziectomy is highly beneficial in patients 55 or older and can result in considerable improvements in pain and grip strength up to 10 years post-surgery.
For Expert Thumb Arthritis Surgery Depend on Our Experienced Fort Worth Doctors
We know the last thing you want to deal with is thumb pain. You would much rather get back to doing what you love. That said, not all conservative treatments work. Sometimes it is important to take the next logical step and talk to your hand doctor about trapeziectomy. These and other hand surgeries offer a proven, effective solution for individuals struggling with chronic thumb base pain that has not responded to conservative treatment. By removing the damaged trapezium bone, this procedure aims to relieve pain, improve hand function, and restore quality of life—allowing patients to return to everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence.
While recovery requires time, therapy, and patience, many patients experience lasting relief and meaningful functional improvement, making trapeziectomy a reliable option for long-term management of thumb arthritis when non-surgical approaches are no longer sufficient. Visiting an orthopedic surgeon can open the door to various treatment options to resolve or reduce your symptoms and get you back to living the life you deserve quickly and in the least invasive way possible.
Fort Worth Hand Center surgeons are specialists in treating chronic conditions and traumatic injuries, as well as performing state-of-the-art complex microscopic nerve repairs and tendon transfers. But before any of that happens, our goal is to conduct a thorough examination to determine the best course of action. Sometimes, it may be surgery. Other times, a more conservative approach is better.
If surgery is your best treatment, our orthopedic physicians operate in state-of-the-art, accredited surgery centers. To schedule an appointment, call 817-877-3277 or complete the form below.
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Before starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Fort Worth Hand Center serves the DFW area, including Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, White Settlement, Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Burleson, Colleyville, Crowley, Dallas, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Euless, Everman, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lakeside, Lake Worth, and all of North Texas.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.