@dmk I too have had CMC surgery - the first one over 10 years ago, the second in 2020. Both hand surgeons used the tightrope technique, which was important to me because I needed assurance of grip strength (I am a fiber artist and gardener, so use my hands extensively.) They have lasted wonderfully, the recovery was shorter by several months than my friends had with the "anchovy technique" using the FCR tendon. The pain, except during exercises, was negligible after about 2-3 weeks. Never did use any of the narco meds after the first night, relying on ice, elevation, alternating ibuprofen & tylenol instead.

I am part of a large gardening community, and this is a common operation for us - the most successful recovery was in people whose had an experienced hand surgeon, an excellent hand therapist (specially trained OT or PT), followed the recovery protocol, and continued daily therapy for at least 6 months. Also, ice, elevation & complete rest for at least 2-3 weeks to keep the swelling down, and wearing the hard splint until fully recovered were also key.

I chose not to try the Stablyx implant because the failure rate, according to my hand therapist, was higher in very small hands, which I have. I admit to being ultra-protective, wearing my thumb splints when doing heavy garden work like pull out bushes by the roots.

Sue