MOC-PSSM CME Article: Management of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis

In Brief Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Analyze the patient’s medical and basal joint arthritis condition. 2. Understand and communicate the treatment alternatives to the patient. 3. Formulate and carry out a surgical plan for the appropriate operative candidate. 4. Understand the expected outcomes and the potential complications and their management. Summary: This article has been prepared to accompany practice-based assessment with ongoing surgical education for the Maintenance of Certification for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is structured to outline the care of the patient with arthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. The Maintenance of Certification module series is designed to help the clinician structure his or her study in specific areas appropriate to his or her clinical practice. This article is prepared to accompany practice-based assessment of preoperative assessment, anesthesia, surgical treatment plan, perioperative management, and outcomes. In this format, the clinician is invited to compare his or her methods of patient assessment and treatment, outcomes, and complications with authoritative, information-based references. This information base is then used for self-assessment and benchmarking in parts II and IV of the Maintenance of Certification process of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive treatise on the subject. Rather, it is designed to serve as a reference point for further in-depth study by review of the reference articles presented. MOCERT AVAILABLE AT http://www1.plasticsurgery.org/ebusiness4/OnlineCourse/CourseInfo.aspx?Id=14003.