Patients in South Texas with painful thumb arthritis now have access to an advanced surgical option previously unavailable in the U.S. UT Health San Antonio has begun offering total thumb arthroplasty, a next-generation procedure designed to restore motion, strength and function at the base of the thumb.
Often compared to a “baby hip replacement,” base of thumb arthroplasty replaces both sides of the arthritic thumb joint with a small implant that allows for smooth, stable movement. The approach echoes the advances long established in hip replacement surgery but is newly available in the United States following years of clinical success in Europe.
“Most people are familiar with hip replacement,” said Ryan A. Rose, MD, an orthopaedic hand surgeon at UT Health San Antonio and assistant clinical professor at UT San Antonio. “This is that same concept applied to the base of the thumb, on a much smaller scale, with the goal of preserving strength and allowing earlier return to daily activities.”
Thumb arthritis is often felt as pain at the base of the thumb or wrist, which can make everyday activities difficult. “Patients with this condition often have difficulties with tasks such as turning a key or opening bottles or jars,” said Brian W. Sager, MD, a UT Health San Antonio orthopaedic hand surgeon and assistant clinical professor at UT San Antonio.
Traditional surgical treatment has involved removing a small wrist bone to relieve pain, a method that can require months of recovery and may result in reduced grip strength. The new implant-based approach aims to shorten recovery time while maintaining function.
“With this technique, we’re seeing earlier motion and faster pain relief,” said Sager. “Patients are often able to begin gentle movement almost immediately, which is very different from traditional approaches.”
The procedure recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval after seven years of follow-up data demonstrated strong implant durability and patient outcomes overseas. UT Health San Antonio is among a limited number of sites nationwide with surgeons trained to perform the operation, after receiving specialized instruction in Europe.
“Delivering cutting-edge technology to our patients is a core part of our mission,” said Robert H. Quinn, MD, professor and chair of UT San Antonio’s Department of Orthopaedics. “As one of the top academic orthopaedic programs in the country, we have access to this type of revolutionary technology far in advance of other surgeons.”
In addition to expanding treatment options, the new service line supports UT Health San Antonio’s role in advancing surgical care in the region. The institution is participating in a national FDA feasibility study that will track patient outcomes, helping to shape future standards for thumb arthritis treatment in the nation.
Rose and Sager performed the first of the scheduled thumb arthroplasty procedures at the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital on Dec. 19.
Patients interested in learning whether they may be candidates for total thumb arthroplasty can schedule a consultation with UT Health San Antonio orthopaedic specialists by visiting the website or calling 210-450-9300.