MedStar Health Offers New Thumb Joint Replacement for Thumb Arthritis

MedStar Health Offers New Thumb Joint Replacement for Thumb Arthritis News provided by MedStar Health Jul 06, 2026, 15:20 ET Share this article Share to X Share this article Share to X D.C. and Baltimore firsts bring "mini hip replacement" innovation to thumb arthritis care. COLUMBIA, Md. , July 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MedStar Health hand surgeons in both D.C. and Baltimore became the first in their respective regions to perform a break-through treatment for patients living with debilitating thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. The painful condition, also known as basal joint arthritis or rhizarthrosis, is one of the most common forms of hand arthritis in the U.S., affecting nearly five-million Americans over 50. The TOUCH prosthesis addresses a critical clinical need in hand surgery, as the CMC 1 joint at the base of the thumb is amongst the most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Aviram M. Giladi, MD, Curtis National Hand Center, Baltimore, MD Michael Kessler, MD, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C.