The Belfast-Manchester thumb arthritis pathway has reached another significant milestone. Its first client has now had the base joints of both thumbs replaced. They were so impressed with the result and recovery from the first thumb that they chose to come back and have the second one done.

The client is a professional organist. Advanced arthritis had left them with a shallow trapezium, which added some complexity to the second surgery.

The pathway was the initiative of Ms Michelle Razo, Consultant Hand Therapist, working with Manchester-based Mr Zafar Naqui, Consultant Hand and Wrist Surgeon. It gives people in Northern Ireland access to modern thumb CMC joint replacement using the TOUCH® prosthesis.

Radiograph of a thumb base joint replacement showing the TOUCH prosthesis in position at the first carpometacarpal joint
The TOUCH® prosthesis in position at the base of the thumb. The implant replaces the worn joint surfaces rather than removing the trapezium bone.

Since its launch in 2026, the Belfast–Manchester CMCJ pathway has become well established.

Full details, including what to expect at each stage, are on the thumb joint replacement page.