What is Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis?

Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis (Rhizarthrosis) is osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb. It is one of the most common hand arthropathies, affecting up to 15% of women and 7% of men over 50 years old. The thumb participates in 40% of all hand functions, so its involvement critically reduces quality of life.

Traditional surgical treatment — trapezium removal or joint replacement — requires prolonged rehabilitation and does not always restore grip strength.

Symptoms:

Pain at the base of the thumb during grasping and pinching
Weak grip — difficulty opening jars, turning keys
Swelling and deformity in the anatomical snuffbox area
Crepitus with movement
Limited thumb abduction

Stages (Eaton-Littler Classification):

I — joint space narrowing, minimal changes
II — osteophytes, joint space narrowing less than 2 mm
III — marked osteophytes, subluxation, cysts
IV — involvement of adjacent STT joint

How Regenerative Methods Treat Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis

Ultrasound Diagnostics

Ultrasound guidance visualizes the CMC joint, assesses cartilage thickness, presence of osteophytes and subluxation.

Concentrate Preparation

CGF — chondrogenic and anti-inflammatory factors. MFAT — stem cells for Effect on cartilage tissue.

Microinjection into CMC Joint

Under ultrasound guidance, concentrates are injected directly into the small CMC joint. Navigation precision is critical for such a small joint.

Cartilage Regeneration

Stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes, restoring the joint surface. Result — pain reduction, restoration of grip strength.

Regenerative method Advantages

A broad range of indications

Regenerative methods are used for many orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Some cases still call for surgery.

No anesthesia or incisions

Outpatient treatment via 0.3-1.5 mm puncture. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.

No age restrictions

Regeneration at any age. Safe for chronic conditions and anesthesia intolerance.

Rapid improvement

Concentrates have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relief within days.

Multiple zones at once

Simultaneous treatment of multiple discs or joints in one procedure.

Home the same day

No crutches, braces or rehabilitation needed. MRI follow-up at 8-16 weeks.

Regenerative treatment Technology

Navigation system

Intraoperative robotic navigation system. Provides precise access to deep structures with 1 mm and 1 degree accuracy.

Ultrasound guidance

Device for intervention under sonographic control. Eliminates open surgeries with real-time visual monitoring.

More about technologies →

Frequently Asked Questions about Treatment of Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis (Rhizarthrosis)

Why is regenerative treatment better than trapeziectomy?

Trapeziectomy removes the trapezium bone — an irreversible procedure with 3-6 months of rehabilitation and often reduced grip strength. Regenerative treatment preserves the joint, regenerates cartilage, and requires no rehabilitation. Both hands are treated in one procedure.

Will grip strength be restored?

Yes. As cartilage regenerates and inflammation decreases, grip strength is restored. Improvement is noticeable within 2-4 weeks, with full effect in 2-3 months. Unlike surgery, strength does not decrease during treatment.

Is it possible to treat both hands simultaneously?

Yes. Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis (Rhizarthrosis) is often bilateral. Regenerative treatment treats both CMC joints in one procedure. With surgery — only one hand at a time with months in between.

Treatment Compare Methods Cost

Clinic and method matching — free of charge

Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within two working days.

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