CMC Arthroplasty — Thumb CMC Arthroplasty — Suspensionplasty

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; grip/pinch with minimal to no resistance; orthosis protection; cast 2-3 weeks then HFO or WHFO until 8 weeks; may remove for light self-care from week 6-8

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): thumb spica splint; Phase 2 (2-8 wks): cast 2-3 weeks then HFO short opponens or WHFO, thumb CMC/MCP neuromuscular retraining (C's and O's), joint blocking, dexterity, radial nerve glides if SSRN hypersensitivity; Phase 3 (8-12 wks): wean orthosis, progressive wrist strengthening, continued neuromuscular reeducation

Notes

Similar to LRTI but shorter Phase 2 (ends at 8 weeks vs. 10 weeks for LRTI); neuromuscular retraining for balanced pinch; SSRN hypersensitivity monitoring; joint conservation education; Comfort Cool CMC orthosis for long-term support PRN

Published

09/2024