@deborah1031 Instead of denervation, I elected CMC surgery on both hands, using the "trapeze" or suspension technique. Why? Because denervation, if it works, does nothing to preserve function - the joint continues to deteriorate, and at some point actually collapses. When that happens, fusion seems to be the only repair option.

I will not sugarcoat - recovery took quite a long time, with the first 5-6 weeks basically no use of thumb. PT and daily exercises took several months for full recovery (less than the old "anchovy" or rolled up tendon though.) It was annoying, but I managed to be back at my computer job after a few weeks.

What is it like today? The "old one" is over 15 years old, the new one nearly 7, and they function perfectly and without pain. I am retired and can sew, garden, paint and generally do anything I want. Would I do it again? Yes, and I would do as before, finding the BEST surgeon I could. I asked my hand therapist for recommendations.