Hand and Wrist

Base of Thumb Arthritis
(TMC/CMC Arthritis)

Arthritis of the base of thumb is a common affliction for many patients, particularly affecting women in their middle age. After conservative treatment, the traditional surgical procedure has been to remove the trapezium bone, thereby relieving painful contact within the trapezium metacarpal joint (TMC). Whilst many patients are grateful for this procedure, it does require a fairly long period of rehabilitation and can result in reduced function.

NorthStar supply two implants from SBi to treat patients suffering from arthritis at the base of thumb. Artelon is a woven spacer which is placed between the joint surfaces. It provides immediate pain relieve, and over a period of years will resorb to leave a fresh surface of scar tissue over the metacarpal head. This resurfacing of scar tissue prevents painful bony contact, whilst the virtual elimination of bone resection in the joint maintains the patient’s normal function.

For more severe arthritis of the base of thumb, SBi have the Elektra implant. Well adopted by hand surgeons in the UK, the Elektra provides good pain relief and excellent movement thanks to its multi-axial design. If you would like to learn more about these products, please visit the SBi website by following the link to the right of this page. Alternatively, if you are a clinician you can contact your local NorthStar Area manager by visiting the Contacts section of this website.