Current statistics on occurrence of thumb base OA in males and females in their fifth and sixth decade of life reaches 11% and 33% PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)

: While light typing may be possible soon after, heavy lifting is usually restricted for roughly 6 weeks .

Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis Surgery: The Patient Experience

: The removal of the trapezium bone at the base of the thumb. This has been the standard treatment for decades and is generally effective at restoring function.

: You may be in a plaster cast or soft dressing for about 2 weeks .

Clinical evaluation of thumb base osteoarthritis: A scoping review

: The reconstruction can be painful; doctors typically prescribe narcotics for the first 2–3 days .

: This procedure is used for severe arthritis in smaller joints, offering long-term pain relief for 85–95% of patients . What to Expect (Review of Recovery)