Joint replacement for thumb arthritis has evolved dramatically. Modern prostheses offer faster recovery and preserved motion compared to traditional trapeziectomy — but not every implant is the same.
This page compiles the clinical evidence for every major thumb CMC implant on the market. Compare survival rates, complication data, and functional outcomes to understand what the research actually shows.
Types of CMC Joint Implants
Thumb CMC prostheses broadly fall into these categories:
- Total joint prostheses — Replace both sides of the joint (ball-and-socket design)
- Hemiarthroplasty — Replace only the metacarpal side
- Interposition implants — Spacers placed after partial trapezium removal
- Pyrocarbon implants — Carbon-based spacers with bone-like elasticity
Common brand names include Touch CMC 1, Ivory, ELiS, Maïa, Elektra, ARPE, and various silicone designs.
What the Research Shows
Key findings from clinical studies:
- Modern prostheses show 90–95% survival at 5 years in most registries
- Patient satisfaction typically ranges from 80–92%
- Grip and pinch strength recover to 70–90% of the opposite hand
- The most common complication is loosening (3–8% at 10 years)
- Revision surgery rates vary significantly between implant designs
Research & Articles
Browse all 28 evidence-based articles in this category:
Can Better Surgery Keep Your Thumb Replacement Working Longer?
If you have thumb pain from rhizarthrosis, you may have heard about a thumb replacement implant. Doctors call it a […]
Can a Thumb Implant Really Last for Years?
If you have thumb pain at the base of your thumb, you may have heard about surgery. You may wonder […]
Can a Thumb Prosthesis Really Last for Years?
If your thumb hurts every time you open a jar or turn a key, you are not alone. Many people […]
Can Thumb Joint Replacement Really Stop Your Pain and Help You Move Better?
If you have thumb pain that does not go away, you may have heard about a condition called rhizarthrosis. This […]
Can New Thumb Joint Surgery Really Stop Your Pain?
If your thumb hurts when you open a jar or hold a pen, you are not alone. Many people suffer […]
Can Thumb Joint Replacement Get Infected After Surgery?
If you have severe thumb pain from arthritis at the base of your thumb, you may have heard about joint […]
Can Thumb Joint Replacement Help You Avoid Removing Bone?
If you have thumb pain from arthritis at the base of your thumb, you may have heard about surgery that […]
Can a Thumb Implant Really Fix Your Thumb Arthritis and Improve Your Life?
If you have pain at the base of your thumb, you might be dealing with something called rhizarthrosis. This is […]
Can Thumb Joint Replacement Really Fix My Arthritis Pain?
If you have been living with pain at the base of your thumb, you know how hard it can be […]
Can Thumb Joint Replacement Really Work for Severe Arthritis?
If you have pain at the base of your thumb that makes it hard to open jars, turn keys, or […]
Can You Keep Your Thumb Joint and Still Get Rid of Arthritis Pain?
If you have been living with thumb pain at the base of your thumb, you know how frustrating it can […]
Could a Small Implant Really Help Your Thumb Pain for 10 Years?
If you have painful thumb arthritis, you may have heard about different surgeries that can help. One option is a […]
Can a Thumb Implant Really Help My CMC Arthritis Pain?
If you have pain at the base of your thumb, you may have heard the words CMC arthritis or rhizarthrosis. […]
Could a Simple Surgery Ease Your Thumb Pain?
If you’ve been living with thumb pain because of arthritis, you might wonder if surgery could help you. This article […]
Could a prosthesis fix your thumb pain?
If you’ve been struggling with thumb pain or rhizarthrosis—this is another name for arthritis in the base joint of your…
Could the Touch® Thumb Joint Prosthesis Relieve Your Pain?
If you’re suffering from thumb pain or a condition called rhizarthrosis, you might feel frustrated or stuck. But what…
Could thumb joint surgery bring you relief from pain?
If you’ve been dealing with thumb pain for what feels like forever, you’re not alone. This article is about a […]
Are prosthetic implants a lasting solution for thumb arthritis pain?
Thumb pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially if it gets in the way of things you love to do. If […]
Could a pyrocarbon spacer ease your thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis, also called rhizarthrosis, can make simple tasks like turning a key or opening a jar very painful…
Could thumb surgery improve your ability to enjoy life again?
Dealing with thumb pain or arthritis can make everyday tasks feel impossible. If you’ve been struggling with a…
Could a new implant end your thumb pain from arthritis?
Thumb pain can make even the simplest tasks feel difficult, right? Using keys, gripping objects, or even turning a…
Could a Thumb Joint Implant Relieve Your Pain?
If you’ve been living with thumb pain due to rhizarthrosis (a hard-to-pronounce word for arthritis in the base of your…
Could a thumb joint prosthesis ease your rhizarthrosis pain?
If you have thumb pain or thumb arthritis, particularly caused by rhizarthrosis (a type of arthritis in the thumb joint…
Which Is Better for Rhizarthrosis—Pyrolytic Carbon Prostheses or Ligament Reconstruction?
Do you experience thumb pain or struggle with thumb arthritis, also known as rhizarthrosis? If so, you’re not alone…
Is Rhizarthrosis Making Thumb Pain Unbearable? What You Need to Know About Joint Replacements
Thumb arthritis, also called rhizarthrosis, can cause pain that makes everyday tasks hard. This article dives into the…
Are trapeziometacarpal prostheses the solution to your thumb pain?
If thumb arthritis or rhizarthrosis has made your daily tasks difficult, you may have wondered about medical options to…
What should you know about rhizarthrosis prostheses and major complications?
If you have thumb pain or thumb arthritis, you may have heard of something called rhizarthrosis. This is a type […]
Can a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis help with thumb pain and rhizarthrosis?
If you experience thumb pain or have been diagnosed with rhizarthrosis (arthritis at the base of the thumb), you…
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a thumb implant last?
Modern CMC implants show 90–95% survival at 5 years and 85–92% at 10 years in published studies. Younger, more active patients may experience higher revision rates.
What happens if my thumb implant fails?
A failed implant can usually be converted to a trapeziectomy (bone removal). This is considered a reliable salvage procedure, though recovery takes longer than the initial surgery.
Am I too young/old for a thumb implant?
Most surgeons consider implants for patients aged 50–75. Younger patients risk earlier revision due to higher activity levels. Older patients may benefit from simpler procedures like trapeziectomy.
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is based on published scientific research and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or hand surgeon for personalised treatment recommendations.