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Regenerative Medicine

Thumb CMC OA (rhizarthrosis) — ultrasound-guided PRP for pain at the thumb base

Pain when turning a key, opening jars and pinch grip between thumb and index finger are typical signs.

We combine diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided PRP and targeted hand rehab.

Medically reviewed by Johan Hedevåg, MD

Ultrasound diagnosis1,000+ treatmentsNo referral required
Regenerative treatment for OA in the CMC-1 joint — without surgery.

Thumb CMC OA (rhizarthrosis) is osteoarthritis in the CMC-1 joint at the base of the thumb and particularly affects women after age 50. Ultrasound-guided PRP in the CMC-1 joint is an evidence-based alternative to repeated cortisone or trapeziectomy in early to moderate OA.

12 mo
significantly better pain and hand function than cortisone (Malahias 2018 RCT)
PMID 30343590
+21 pts
Mayo Wrist Score at 6 months (Loibl 2016 pilot)
PMID 27478842
6–12 wk
typical time to noticeable improvement

What is treated?

Tap a condition to read more.

How it works

  1. Single visit (~45 min)
    1. 01Ultrasound examination & diagnosis~15 min
      A licensed physiotherapist confirms rhizarthrosis with diagnostic ultrasound, assesses the Eaton stage and creates an individual plan.
    2. 02Ultrasound-guided PRP injection~30 min
      60–180 ml of blood is drawn, centrifuged, and platelet-rich plasma is injected with ultrasound precision directly into the CMC-1 joint.
  2. 03Pre-optimisationIf needed0–3 months
    In cases of overweight, insulin resistance or systemic inflammation, we optimise metabolic health and loading patterns to maximise the PRP response for upcoming treatments.
  3. 04Rehab and follow-upOngoing
    Individualised programme for thumb stabilisation, grip and ergonomics. Combined with a thumb orthosis at night/loading when needed.
  4. 05Maintenance treatmentIf neededEvery 3–6 months
    For chronic osteoarthritis, maintenance treatments every 3–6 months help sustain pain relief and function over time.

What is thumb CMC OA?

Thumb CMC OA (rhizarthrosis) is osteoarthritis in the CMC-1 joint at the base of the thumb. Symptoms include pain during pinch grip, key turning and jar opening, with gradual loss of thumb function. It is one of the most common hand OA forms and particularly affects women after 50.

How we treat thumb CMC OA

We start with a diagnostic ultrasound examination to assess Eaton stage and degree of inflammation. Based on that, we combine ultrasound-guided PRP in the CMC-1 joint, targeted thumb rehab and if needed an orthosis.

Questions about Thumb CMC osteoarthritis

Frequently asked questions

Other conditions we treat

Knee osteoarthritisTennis elbowPlantar fasciitisRunner's kneeAchilles tendinosisShoulder osteoarthritisHip osteoarthritisWrist osteoarthritisFinger joint osteoarthritisAnkle osteoarthritisToe osteoarthritisFacet joint osteoarthritis

Read more

Ready to book an examination?

We always begin with a thorough examination by a licensed physiotherapist with diagnostic ultrasound.

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