New implant helps patients regain motion and function faster
Photo courtesy of Duke Health
Tyler Pidgeon, MD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and clinical associate vice chair, is leading the adoption of an innovative thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint replacement at Duke Orthopaedics that is transforming care for patients with arthritis at the base of the thumb. The newly FDA-approved implant preserves joint anatomy while restoring alignment and stability, allowing many patients to achieve painless motion within two to four weeks and return to normal activities by six weeks.
Trained in Europe on the technology, Pidgeon also serves as principal investigator as Duke leads U.S. research on the implant, reinforcing the institution’s role as a national leader in hand and upper extremity innovation.