CMC Arthroplasty — Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition (LRTI) — Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center · E. Tolo, MD (approving); P. Ryle, OT; L. Shepard, OT

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

Cast (thumb in palmar abduction, MP 10-20 deg flexion, wrist neutral) until 4-6 wks; splint at all times 4-7 wks; avoid full thumb adduction and radial abduction; no body weight on hands; no excessive gripping/squeezing; night splint until 9-12 wks; 6+ month recovery for full functional use

Timeline & Phases

Phase I 4-7 wks (early mobilization post-cast/splint/AROM); Phase II 7-9 wks (light resistive exercises/putty/pinch); Phase III 9-12 wks (full ROM/strengthening/night splint only); Phase IV 10-14 wks (discontinue splint/return to work and leisure)

Notes

Post-op cast placed in palmar (not radial) abduction to protect reconstruction; assess for laxity — if opposition to base of 5th finger is present, limit exercise and increase splint; 6-month-plus recovery expected

Surgeon / Author

E. Tolo, MD (approving); P. Ryle, OT; L. Shepard, OT

Published

2017-08