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Thumb Base OA

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Thumb Base OA
Prof. Bijay Singh May 12, 2026 Thumb

Thumb Base OA

Thumb Base Arthritis: Non Operative Treatment

I regularly review newly published, high-quality medical research and share patient-focused summaries explaining what the evidence means in everyday practice. These updates are intended to support informed discussions and shared decision-making, while recognising that treatment should always be tailored to the individual.

At the heart of my practice is Shared Decision-Making. Whether we pursue conservative management (Plan A) or surgical intervention (Plan B), the goal is to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and functional goals.

Prepared by:

Prof. Bijay Singh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - Upper Limb, Trauma & Sports Injury

Shoulder | Elbow | Wrist | Hand

Visiting Professor Canterbury Christchurch University & AIIMS Raipur

Private Practice Manager

Kim White

Phone: 07361895875

Email: kim.white@kims.org.uk

NHS Appointments:

Spire Alexandra Hospital: 01634 – 687166

Medway NHS Trust: 01634 – 976749

KIMS Hospital
Spire Alexandra Hospital 
Lyca Health Orpington 
Medway NHS Trust

What is thumb base arthritis?

Thumb base arthritis occurs when the cartilage at the base of the thumb wears down. This can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Nonoperative treatment options

  • Activity modification
  • Hand therapy and strengthening exercises
  • Supportive thumb splint (orthosis)
  • Pain relief medication if required
  • Steroid injections in selected cases

What did the study look at?

  • Multicentre prospective study
  • Over 200 patients with thumb base arthritis
  • Treated with exercise therapy and splinting
  • Median follow-up: 6.6 years
  • Measured pain, function, satisfaction, and surgery rates

Key findings

  • Pain scores did not worsen after the first year
  • Function in daily activities remained stable
  • Over half of patients were satisfied with treatment
  • Only 22% required surgery within about 7 years
  • Nearly 4 out of 5 patients avoided surgery

Professor Singh’s commentary

Nonoperative treatment can provide good outcomes for many years. Steroid injections may provide prolonged pain relief in selected patients. Treatment should always be based on shared decision-making.

Reference

Lopez G et al. Long-Term Outcomes of Nonsurgical Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis. JBJS, 2023.

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