Hello, I thought I would weigh in here with my experience. I have had CMC repair on both thumbs due to severe osteoarthritis. The docs both used the "tightrope" procedure for the repair, with great success. The damaged tissue is removed, and the area is stabilized with a synthetic monofilament of some sort and 2 surgical staples to hold everything in place while it heals - scar tissue fills the void where the bone was removed. You get near 100% mobility and about 60-80% strength after healing. I am able to garden, paint, sew, lift even 35 lb grandchildren)... Healing time is shorter than the older "anchovy" procedure. Diligent PT, including at-home exercises, after surgery are the key to successful recovery.
I would caution against waiting too long - my friend did that, and ended up having to have the joints on both thumbs fused because they collapsed from bone deterioration.
Sue