Arthroscopic Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis.

Hand Clin · May 2026 · Review

Bougioukli S, Chung KC

Section of Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONReview of arthroscopic treatment for thumb CMC arthritis, covering interventions, outcomes, and remaining challenges, given no consensus on the best surgical approach after nonoperative care fails.
Abstract, as published

An important challenge in the management of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is determining the most appropriate surgical approach for any given clinical scenario, once non-operative treatment has been exhausted. The variety of surgical procedures available highlights the fact that there is no general consensus on the optimal surgical treatment of this condition. With the advancement in wrist arthroscopy, the use of arthroscopic-assisted treatment for basilar joint arthritis has become more popular and aims to meet some of the shortcomings of open procedures. We will review arthroscopic interventions, their outcomes and future hurdles in the management of thumb CMC arthritis.

Featured in the 2026-10-01 issue.

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