Options tailored to your thumb
A careful assessment of your symptoms, examination and imaging helps identify the most appropriate treatment, which may not be surgery.
Modern thumb joint replacement
A different way forward.
Thumb joint replacement replaces worn joint surfaces with an implant, aiming to relieve arthritic pain while preserving the thumb’s length and movement. It is one option for selected patients; your suitability, the alternatives and the risks are discussed before any decision.
TOUCH thumb joint replacement
Mr Naqui uses the TOUCH dual-mobility implant, which replaces the arthritic CMC joint while preserving the trapezium bone. Read how it works, who may be suitable, the risks and what rehabilitation involves.
Explore TOUCH thumb replacement
A small implant.
A carefully considered choice.
The implant Mr Naqui uses is TOUCH, a dual-mobility design made specifically for the thumb’s CMC joint, built to allow the movement that everyday grip and pinch depend on.
Replacement may be suitable when thumb-base arthritis continues to affect your life after non-operative treatment. Your X-rays, bone quality, activities and expectations all help determine whether it is right for you.
What happens on the day?
The procedure usually takes around 60–90 minutes and is commonly performed as a day case, under regional or general anaesthesia. Your individual plan, including where surgery takes place, is discussed in advance.
How does it compare?
Thumb joint replacement
Replaces the worn joint surfaces with a prosthesis and preserves the trapezium bone. Recovery pathways differ from trapeziectomy, and implants carry specific risks including dislocation, loosening, wear and the possibility of revision surgery.
Trapeziectomy
Removes the trapezium bone. It is an established operation with a strong long-term evidence base. Recovery and restoration of strength can take several months, and some thumb shortening may occur.
Neither procedure is right for everyone. Infection, stiffness, nerve irritation, persistent pain and the need for further surgery are possible with either operation. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks, benefits and alternatives. Outcomes are not guaranteed.
Read the full comparisonModern joint replacement
For suitable patients, an implant may offer an alternative to trapeziectomy, with distinct benefits, risks and recovery considerations.
Coordinated recovery
Surgical care and specialist hand therapy work together throughout your treatment and rehabilitation.
Watch & listen
Thumb replacement,
in focus.
Explore thumb arthritis treatment and joint replacement with Mr Zaf Naqui, and hear a patient describe their experience.
Thumb arthritis: treatment options and joint replacement
Mr Zaf Naqui explains thumb-base arthritis, non-operative treatment and modern thumb CMC joint replacement.
Watch on YouTubeA patient’s experience of thumb joint replacement
A patient of Mr Naqui describes their experience of thumb joint replacement. Experiences are individual, not a typical or guaranteed result.
Watch on YouTubeVideos from Mr Naqui’s practice website. Patient experiences are individual, not a typical or guaranteed result. Surgery has risks and is not suitable for everyone; discuss your options with your surgeon. Playing a video connects to YouTube, which may collect data.
Patient experiences
In their words.
Excerpts from independent reviews left by patients of Mr Naqui who had thumb joint replacement.
★★★★★
“Being the proud owner of bilateral thumb joint replacements has for me been transformational. I had lost a lot of strength when using my hands which has now returned.”
★★★★★
“He took the time to thoroughly explain the condition of my thumb joint and the benefits of touch arthroplasty as a treatment option… I am now able to perform daily tasks without the pain and stiffness that previously limited my activities.”
★★★★★
“He explained the procedure in full and I was nervous but also excited to hopefully get rid of this pain… I was discharged by Sarah 6 weeks following each operation and never looked back.”
★★★★★
“I had the operation in April 2023, and now 12 months on I still cannot believe the results… It gave me back the movement and flexibility I was lacking.”
★★★★★
“He explained all the processes that could be used to treat this and I agreed to have the joint replaced… I now have complete mobility in my hand and can undo lids, grip the steering wheel and carry shopping.”
★★★★★
“I have to admit I had a few nerves the week before the op but was able to discuss my concerns with Mr Naqui and have my mind put at rest.”
Reviews are individual experiences, shortened for length and quoted from iWantGreatCare. They are not a typical or guaranteed result; recovery and outcomes vary from person to person.