In August, Dr. Joseph A. Gil became the first surgeon in Rhode Island to perform a thumb joint replacement using a TOUCH CMC 1 ball-and-socket prosthesis. Gil used the device in a procedure called a carpometacarpal total joint arthroplasty at University Orthopedics Inc. in Providence. TOUCH CMC 1 had previously only been available in Europe until the implant, developed by Geneva-headquartered Keri Medical, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval last summer.
PBN: How have you observed osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint impacting your patients’ lives?
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GIL: Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis affects millions of individuals in the United States. Patients with symptomatic arthritis have substantial limitations in hand function, particularly with pinching and gripping activities. Simple tasks such as opening a bottle top or door can become a substantial burden.
Hand surgeons often aim to help alleviate symptoms with conservative approaches, including anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and bracing. Ultimately, patients may elect to proceed with surgical options, as these conservative modalities are no longer effective.
PBN: How did you feel going into the surgery knowing that you would be the first surgeon in Rhode Island to perform a thumb joint replacement using TOUCH CMC 1?
GIL: The mandatory didactic and hands-on training program designed for hand surgeons in the United States does an excellent job in preparing us to safely offer this option to our patients.
PBN: TOUCH CMC 1 received premarket FDA approval on July 10, 2025. What made you confident enough in such a newly approved prosthesis to use it in your own practice?
GIL: The implant has been well-established in Europe over the last decade. Numerous recent studies demonstrated substantial benefits of performing thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty with the TOUCH implant, including an earlier return to work, earlier recovery of grip and pinch strength, and reduced postoperative pain.
PBN: What are the benefits and risks of choosing an implant as opposed to typical carpometacarpal joint surgery?
GIL: As noted above, studies have demonstrated substantial benefits of performing thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty with the TOUCH implant, including earlier return to work, earlier recovery of grip and pinch strength, and reduced postoperative pain.
One of the risks associated with performing the surgery with an artificial joint is the potential need for revision surgery in the future secondary to issues with the implant over time. Thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty with the TOUCH implant offers an alternative evidence-based option for patients who no longer have relief with conservative strategies.
PBN: How common is it for patients to opt for surgery to treat arthritis in their hands, and do you foresee implants becoming a more popular option for patients?
GIL: Annually, nearly 50,000 patients in the United States undergo thumb carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty with trapeziectomy combined with a tendon or suture suspension option. Given the track record of the implant getting patients to return to work sooner with less postoperative immobilization and less therapy, I suspect that patients will frequently seek out arthroplasty with the TOUCH implant option.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a PBN staff writer. She can be reached at kannermascolo@pbn.com.
