SHREVEPORT, La. — Willis Knighton Health has introduced a new joint replacement treatment for patients with arthritis at the base of the thumb, becoming the first health care organization in the region to offer the TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis.
Dr. Diego A. Miranda, a hand and wrist surgery specialist at Willis Knighton Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Bossier, is leading the local introduction of the procedure. Miranda trained with surgeons in Europe, where the treatment has been used for more than a decade.
“I believe this is game-changing for our patients who suffer very common thumb arthritis,” Miranda said. “It gives them an option for early to moderate arthritis when conservative treatment fails. Not only does it reduce pain, it also restores function and preserves the normal shape of the thumb with faster recovery.”
The TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis differs from traditional treatments that involve complete removal of the trapezium bone. The procedure preserves the bone and replaces the damaged joint with a dual-mobility ball-and-socket implant designed to maintain thumb length, joint stability, strength and movement.
The procedure takes about an hour and is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can generally resume normal activities within six weeks, according to Willis Knighton.
Thumb arthritis occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones forming the joint at the base of the thumb. Willis Knighton said the condition affects an estimated 25% to 33% of adults over age 50 and is more common among women.
Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced thumb strength, making activities such as opening jars, turning keys, gripping objects and pinching more difficult.