Thank you for your info and link. I am 59 years old, USPS retired, but very active handyman. I had a mini CMC joint stabilizing custom splint brace applied to my surgical hand after only five days (cast removed)and the follow-up x-rays at two weeks. My surgeon did not schedule a follow-up exam. I live 150 miles from the surgery center. I am now waiting to hear from that surgery scheduling department about having identical surgery on the opposite thumb, so I guess the surgeon will get a chance to examine his work after all during my pre-op examination. I too have heard optimal results can be expected after one year. It will be 12 weeks post-op tomorrow and I was not expecting to have continued swelling around the surgical area and first finger. I have full use of the hand with obvious weight limitations.