The wide range of motion of the thumb derives from the unusual nature
of its carpometacarpal joint. Osteoarthritis is common in this joint.
Patients may present with variable degrees of pain, reduction of thumb
mobility, and joint deformity. Management is based on clinical assess
ment. Early disease is treated with rest, anti-inflammatory agents or
analgesics, intra-articular steroid injections and splints. Since the
course of osteoarthritis is often benign, avoiding early invasive trea
tment is important, except in the presence of proven anatomic deformit
y.