A Patient Story That Speaks for Itself
In September 2025, the first patient in the United States received the TOUCH® CMC 1 prosthesis, marking an important moment for thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty in the country.
Just a few months later, on January 22, the same patient chose to undergo a second TOUCH®, this time on her dominant hand.
The procedure was once again performed by Jonathan Tueting at Rush Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Aurora, Illinois.
For the surgical team, the patient’s decision to proceed with a second implantation reflects a strong level of confidence in the outcomes of the first procedure.
Living and Working with Thumb CMC Arthritis
The patient, Trisha, is a professional baker — a profession that requires strength, precision, and constant use of the hands.
Like many patients suffering from thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, she experienced pain and functional limitations that affected both her daily life and professional activity.
Thumb CMC arthritis is one of the most common forms of hand osteoarthritis, often causing:
- pain at the base of the thumb
- reduced grip strength
- difficulty performing daily tasks
- loss of mobility in the thumb joint
For patients whose symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, thumb joint replacement surgery can provide a solution aimed at restoring mobility and reducing pain.
Choosing the Same Solution Twice
Following the successful outcome of her first surgery, Trisha made the decision to move forward with a second TOUCH® CMC 1 implantation, this time on her dominant hand.
For surgeons, this type of patient decision is particularly meaningful: it reflects the real-world experience of patients living with the results of the procedure.
The second surgery highlights the role of modern thumb joint replacement technologies in helping patients regain function and confidence in their hands.
Watch the Patient Story
A patient testimonial video was recorded to share Trisha’s experience and perspective following her surgeries.
Advancing Thumb Arthroplasty in the United States
The TOUCH® CMC 1 prosthesis is the first dual mobility thumb carpometacarpal prosthesis available in the United States.
Designed to restore both mobility and stability of the thumb joint, it offers surgeons an innovative option for treating advanced thumb osteoarthritis.
As more surgeons and patients gain experience with thumb joint replacement, solutions like the TOUCH® CMC 1 prosthesis continue to contribute to the evolution of modern hand surgery.
