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Thumb Arthritis Surgery in Durango, Colorado
Dr. Brian Butzen MD
Board-Certified Hand and Orthopedic Surgeon
Does your thumb hurt at the base when you grip things, open jars, or turn keys?
You might have thumb arthritis. It's also called CMC arthritis, basal joint arthritis, or trapeziometacarpal arthritis - all names for the same problem.
This is one of the most common types of hand arthritis, and it can make everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Writing, cooking, gardening, even holding a coffee cup - all of these use your thumb, and all of them can hurt when this joint wears out.
The good news: thumb arthritis is very treatable. Dr. Brian Butzen has been helping patients in Durango and the Four Corners region with this condition since 2013. Whether you need conservative treatment or surgery, he'll help you understand your options and find the right path forward.
What Is Thumb Arthritis?
The CMC joint (carpometacarpal joint - also known as basal joint) is where your thumb meets your hand. It's an incredibly mobile joint - it's what lets you oppose your thumb to your fingers, grip objects, and pinch.
That mobility comes at a cost. This joint takes a lot of stress over the years, and the cartilage can wear down. When it does, you get bone rubbing on bone, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis
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Pain at the base of your thumb, especially when gripping or pinching
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Aching after using your hands (opening jars, turning keys, using tools)
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Swelling or tenderness at the thumb base
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Weakness when gripping - you might drop things more often
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A grinding or clicking sensation when you move your thumb
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A visible bump at the base of your thumb (in more advanced cases)
Thumb arthritis is more common in women and tends to develop after age 40, though it can happen earlier, especially after injuries.
Watch Dr. Butzen Explain Thumb Arthritis
Check out this video that Doctor Butzen made on this topic.
You can watch the same video on his YouTube channel by clicking here.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Thumb Arthritis
Many patients manage thumb arthritis without surgery, especially in the earlier stages. Dr. Butzen always starts with conservative options when appropriate.
Splinting
A thumb spica splint stabilizes the joint and reduces stress during activities. This won't reverse the arthritis, but it can significantly reduce pain and let you keep doing what you want to do. Off-the-shelf splints work well for most people; custom splints are available through hand therapy if needed.
Activity Modification
Simple changes can make a big difference. Ergonomic tools like jar openers, key turners, and padded grips reduce stress on the thumb. Spreading out hand-intensive tasks throughout the day helps too.
Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) can help during flare-ups. Topical options like Voltaren gel work well with fewer side effects than pills.
Cortisone Injections
Dr. Butzen offers cortisone injections in the office using fluoroscopic guidance (live x-ray) to place the medication exactly where it needs to go. Injections reduce inflammation and can provide relief lasting weeks to months. They're also diagnostic - if the injection helps significantly, it confirms the pain is coming from that joint.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP uses your own blood, processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, then injected into the joint. The idea is to reduce inflammation and potentially support tissue healing.
For thumb arthritis, PRP may help patients with mild to moderate disease who want to delay or avoid surgery. Results vary - some patients get significant relief lasting several months, while others notice little difference. PRP typically isn't covered by insurance.
Dr. Butzen can discuss whether PRP makes sense for your situation based on your arthritis stage and goals.
For some patients, conservative treatment provides enough relief to manage for years without surgery.
When Is Thumb Arthritis Surgery Needed?
Surgery becomes a good option when:
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Pain persists despite splinting, medications, and injections
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You're avoiding activities you used to enjoy
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Your thumb function is limiting your daily life
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The joint has significant structural damage on x-ray
Dr. Butzen evaluates each patient carefully. Getting an evaluation doesn't commit you to surgery - it gives you information so you can make a good decision.
Surgical Options
Dr. Butzen offers several surgical approaches, each suited to different situations. He'll help you understand which option makes the most sense for your arthritis stage, activity level, and goals.
Denervation Surgery
Minimally invasive, joint-preserving
This procedure involves small incisions to cut the tiny nerves that transmit pain signals from the joint. The joint itself is left alone - we're just interrupting the pain pathway.
Denervation works best for earlier-stage arthritis when the joint still has reasonable cartilage. It offers faster recovery than joint reconstruction and preserves the natural joint. However, because the underlying arthritis remains, some patients may need additional treatment later if the condition progresses.
CMC Arthroplasty (Trapeziectomy with Suspension)
Dr. Butzen's primary surgical approach
This procedure removes the trapezium - the small, arthritic bone at the base of the thumb - and suspends the thumb to maintain proper spacing and stability. Dr. Butzen uses a device called a TightRope (made by Arthrex) that holds everything in position while it heals.
This technique has excellent long-term outcomes. Because there's no artificial implant, there's nothing to wear out over time. Most patients get reliable pain relief and maintain good thumb motion and strength.
Recovery involves splinting for a few weeks, followed by hand therapy to restore motion and strength. Most patients return to normal activities within 2-3 months.
CMC Fusion (Arthrodesis)
For specific situations
Fusion permanently joins the bones at the thumb base using a plate and screws. The joint no longer moves, but the pain is eliminated.
This option works well for younger patients with high physical demands (heavy manual labor), patients with specific anatomy, or those who've had previous surgery that didn't work. The trade-off is losing motion at that joint, though the thumb remains functional.
Implant-Based Joint Replacement
An evolving option
Small artificial implants that replace the worn joint surfaces are another option for some patients. The technology continues to improve, and Dr. Butzen can discuss whether this approach might be appropriate for your situation.
What to Expect from Thumb Arthritis Surgery
Before Surgery
Dr. Butzen starts with a thorough evaluation, including examining your hand and reviewing x-rays. He'll explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident about the plan.
During Surgery
Thumb arthritis surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia with a regional block (your arm is numbed, and you're fully asleep). Most procedures take under one hour, and patients go home the same day.
Recovery
Recovery time depends on the procedure:
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Denervation: fastest recovery, back to most activities in a few weeks
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Arthroplasty: splint for 2-4 weeks, therapy for 6-8 weeks, full recovery around 3 months
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Fusion: similar timeline to arthroplasty
Dr. Butzen and his team provide clear instructions and stay in close contact during your recovery. He gives patients direct access via text and email because communication shouldn't be a barrier to good care.
Why Patients Choose Doctor Butzen for Thumb Surgery
Experience
Dr. Butzen has been treating thumb arthritis in Durango since 2013. He's double board-certified in both orthopedic surgery and hand surgery - one of few surgeons in the region with this specialized training.
Communication
Patients consistently mention Dr. Butzen's communication style. He takes time to explain things clearly, answers questions directly, and stays accessible throughout your care.
Range of Options
From conservative treatment to multiple surgical techniques, Dr. Butzen offers the full spectrum of care. He's not limited to one approach - he matches the treatment to your situation.
Facility
Dr. Butzen operates at Animas Surgical Hospital, which has the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the region.
Patient Experiences
"I couldn't hold a coffee cup without pain before surgery. Dr. Butzen's care was excellent, and now I can enjoy my mornings again."
— GL, Durango
"After my cortisone injection in my right thumb one week ago, the pain from my osteoarthritis is relieved and so am I. Dr. Butzen is the best!"
— SD, Durango, Google Review 7/2025
"Dr Butzen and his team were AWESOME!!! I am extremely happy with my surgery results and the care I received from "the team"! Dr Butzen's approach to recovery was definitely proactive...."make daily activities your physical therapy, as well as physical therapy"! "
— GC, Pagosa Springs, Google Review 6/2025
Serving the Four Corners Region
Dr. Butzen sees patients at his main office in Durango and his satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs (twice monthly). Patients from Farmington, Cortez, and throughout the Four Corners region travel to see him for specialized hand and upper extremity care.
Ready to Get Your Thumb Pain Evaluated?
Don't let thumb pain keep you from doing the things you love. Dr. Butzen can help you understand what's causing your pain and what your options are.