The first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint denervation is a minimally invasive method which provides significant pain relief and improves the grip strength in patients with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis as outlined in a study published in the journal- World Neurosurgery. It is also a good option for supplementing optimal pain control and improvement in strength with minimal to mild complications.

First CMC joint osteoarthritis (OA) is frequently observed in the clinical practice. The stage and nature of the diseases helps to determine the appropriate surgical method. Denervation of the first CMC joint is a novel method for the management of stable thumb CMC joint OA. Donato D et al. reviewed their experience and surgical technique with first CMC joint denervation surgery.

All the patients who underwent first CMC joint denervation surgery from January 2015 till September 2017 were recognized retrospectively. The patients received a joint block at the first CMC joint with 0.25% bupivacaine before undergoing surgical CMC denervation. The patients with only excellent response to injection were specified for surgical denervation. The numeric rating scale was used to examine the patient demographics, preoperative and postoperative pain scores. Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer was useful in analyzing the grip strength.

Eight patients (11 hands) out of 10 patients (13 hands) with CMC joint OA justified the inclusion criteria. After the procedure, the patients' average grip strength improved significantly from 38.4 ± 26.7 foot/lb to 50.2 ± 27.6 foot/lb. Numeric rating scale pain score improved notably from 7.8 ± 2.4 to 2.4 ± 1.8. Out of the eight patients, the seven were satisfied with surgery. The study proves the use of minimally invasive technique as a good alternative to traditional procedures in  improving pain and strength outcomes with minimal and mild complications.