[3][5] In reaction to the loss of cartilage, the bones thicken at the joint surface, resulting in subchondral sclerosis.

Also, bony outgrowths, called osteophytes (also known as “bone spurs”), are formed at the joint margins.

[12] Also a grinding sound, known as crepitus, can be heard when the TMC joint is moved, more so when axial pressure is applied.

[13] TMC OA is an expected part of aging in men and women equally.

[4] A population-based study of radiographic signs of pathophysiology in 3595 people assessed in a research-related comprehensive health examination found no association with physical workload.

[15] A more accurate conclusion may be that hand use is associated with seeking care for symptoms related to TMC OA.

Ligamentous laxity is often associated with TMC OA, but this is based on rationale rather than experimental evidence.

Other diagnoses in this region include scaphotrapezial trapezoid arthritis and first dorsal compartment tendinopathy (De Quervain syndrome) although these are usually easy to distinguish.

Metacarpal osteotomy was proposed as a potentially disease modifying surgery for more limited arthrosis,[24] but there is no experimental support for this theory.

Surgery may also place something in the space where the trapeziometacarpal joint was, either a tendon wrapped up into a ball or a prosthesis.

The trapezium bone is removed through an approximately three centimeter long incision along the lateral side of the thumb.

They assume that filling the gap with a part of a tendon is preferable in terms of function, stability and position of the thumb.

This is based on the assumption that interposition can help maintain the space between the metacarpal and the scaphoid, which will improve comfort and capability.

Some physicians believe that combining LR with TI will help maintain gap between the metacarpal and the scaphoid.

[34] Nevertheless, this procedure can be used in patients with stage II and III CMC OA as well as in young people with posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

[27] Overall, joint replacements are related to long-term complications such as subluxation, fractures, synovitis (due to the material used) and nerve damaging.In many cases revision surgery is needed to either remove or repair the prosthesis.

[citation needed] The quality of the prostheses is improving and there is reason to believe this will have a positive effect on outcome in the years to follow.

Possible complications are non-union of the bone, persistent pain related to unrecognized CMC or pantrapezial disease and radial sensory nerve injury.

Other general complications include superficial radial nerve damage and postoperative wound infection.

Prostheses might also cause a reaction of the body against the artificial material they are made of, resulting in local inflammation.

[37] Dahaghin et al. showed that about 15% of women and 7% of men between 50 and 60 years of age develop CMC OA of the thumb.

[38] Armstrong et al. reported a prevalence of 33% in postmenopausal women, of which one-third was symptomatic, compared to 11% in men older than 55 years.