Question
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with CMC arthritis. I have been told numerous of times by my doctors that this is a very common problem in women. What makes my situation unusual is that I am only thirty two years old. I have exhausted all other forms of treatment, including cortisone shots, with little to no relief. I will be going next week for another second opinion for surgery with a hand specialist. It seems the problem with performing surgery on my thumb is not knowing whether it would be successful. My doctors are unaware of a case like mine, with my age, so are not certain what the outcome will be if they perform it. I would appreciate any insight you may have on cases where this common surgery, has been done on an uncommon aged woman, and its outcome.
Answer
Tendon transposition for the osteoarthritis of the first CMC joint in my experience has been fairly successful, but it does require some rehabilitation to regain full function. However, I do not have any experience with someone so young and I do not recall seeing any information on the long term outcome of such procedures. This is an important question for your hand surgeon.
