Sorry for the delayed response , I was on vacation for a few days and am just beginning to look at messages since Sunday.

Whenever I am contemplating ortho surgery the decision is made with the doctor. For thumb CMC joints it is important not to wait until the joint collapses because at that point lesser surgery may not work and a full fusion may be required. 2 of my friends ignored medical and friends ' advice and waited, not wanting unnecessary surgery. Both now have very limited use.

I made my decision after the third steroid injection only relieved pain a few weeks and I was dropping too many things. Both of my tightrope surgeries were completely successful and were done by HAND surgeons, not general ortho docs. My outstanding ortho says it's the best way to go.
Just one person's perspective.
Are you thinking about doing this soon? Have you decided which technique?
Sue