Back to 2026 ePosters
Outcomes and Predictors of Success For Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Denervation
Yehuda A. Masturov, B.S.
1, Jacob H. Zeitlin, M.D.
1, Sebastian D. Arango, M.D.
1, Loren Shamalov, B.S.
2, Tristan B. Weir, M.D.
1; Andrew J. Miller, M.D.
1(1)Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, Philadelphia, PA, (2)CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY
Introduction Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition that severely affects hand function, especially in older adults. Traditional surgical interventions like trapeziectomy are effective but come with drawbacks such as prolonged recovery and potential loss of strength. CMC joint denervation, offering minimal recovery time and low morbidity, has emerged as an alternative; however, its effectiveness and ideal patient selection criteria remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of thumb CMC joint denervation, identify factors associated with favorable outcomes, and assess the proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in function.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing thumb CMC joint denervation from January 2019 to November 2023, excluding those with concurrent procedures or follow-up shorter than six months. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected, with primary functional outcomes assessed via QuickDASH scores. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for pre- and postoperative comparisons and assessments of factors associated with achieving MCID.
Results Among 37 patients (mean age 56.4 ± 11.3 years, 70.3% female), 20 had complete pre- and postoperative QuickDASH data. The median follow-up was 1.1 years. Although median QuickDASH scores improved from 39.8 to 14.8, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.073). Younger age (52.9 vs. 63.8 years, P = 0.015) and dominant hand surgery (80% vs. 20%, P = 0.023) were significantly associated with achieving MCID. Complications were minimal, with transient paresthesias (21.6%) and a 13.5% conversion rate to arthroplasty.
ConclusionsThumb CMC joint denervation appears to provide moderate benefit for select patients, particularly younger individuals undergoing surgery on their dominant hand. The procedure carries low complication rates but a notable rate of conversion to arthroplasty, indicating that denervation may serve as an interim option for patients wishing to delay more definitive surgery. Prospective studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are necessary to clarify its role in the treatment of thumb CMC osteoarthritis.
Back to 2026 ePosters
