Your thumbs are the key to the way you interact with the world. When arthritis reduces thumb mobility and causes pain, your whole quality of life is impacted. TOUCH® CMC 1 solves this by replacing the joint at the base of the thumb, restoring natural movement, strength, and comfort.
About Thumb Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative condition leading to the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage and bone. Over time, constant motion and pressure on the joints can cause the cartilage to wear away, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
When non‑surgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, your surgeon may recommend joint replacement using the TOUCH® CMC 1.
Why Choose TOUCH® CMC 1 Thumb Joint Replacement?
In a traditional thumb arthritis surgery, the surgeon removes the bone at the base of the thumb called the trapezium. To fill the empty space, the surgeon binds together wrist tendons and places them in that area to act as a cushion for the thumb bone.
With TOUCH® CMC 1, the surgeon doesn’t remove the bone. Instead, small implants are placed in the trapezium and first thumb bone (metacarpal). Because the trapezium is left in place, the surgery is less traumatic, promoting better stability and recovery. Each implant is customized to the patient, leading to a seamless, natural feel.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure at Lexington Clinic’s Ambulatory Surgery Center. Performed in as little as 45 minutes, patients return home the same day with only a bandage around the surgery site, instead of wearing a cast for weeks. Patients can usually resume normal activities, including grasping, as soon as they feel comfortable and typically regain full use within 4–6 weeks.
See how TOUCH® CMC 1 works.
“Thumb arthritis impacts everything from simple grasping to overall hand strength, and many patients reach us only after years of unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment,” said Dr. Umansky. “What makes this implant so exciting is its potential to restore natural movement and strength—not just reduce pain. Being part of the first wave of surgeons using it in the U.S. means we can give patients meaningful improvement in terms of mobility and comfort much earlier in their treatment journey.”
Stephen C. Umansky, MD
Hand & Wrist Orthopedics
TOUCH® CMC 1 Thumb Joint Replacement
Schedule An Appointment Call 1+ (859) 258-8575
About Dr. Umansky
Dr. Umansky is one of the first surgeons in America to be specially trained in performing TOUCH® CMC 1 thumb joint replacements.
He is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and holds an American Board of Orthopaedics Certificate of Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Umansky's professional interests include hand and upper extremity surgery, hand and wrist fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, athletic and trauma injuries, arthritis in the upper extremity, and work-related injuries.
Contact Dr. Umansky at Lexington Clinic Orthopedics today to determine if TOUCH® CMC 1 is right for you. Call (859) 258-8575.
