New Implant Offers Relief for Thumb Arthritis Patients

Pennsylvania man among first to receive innovative joint replacement surgery

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A new type of joint replacement surgery is now available for people suffering from arthritis in the thumb. Randy Ferree, a retired engineer from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was one of the first patients to undergo the procedure with Dr. Richard Tosti at Rothman Orthopaedics. The implant provides a cushion for the thumb joint, offering quicker recovery and improved strength and mobility compared to traditional arthritis treatments.

Why it matters

Arthritis in the thumb joint is a common and debilitating condition, limiting people's ability to grip and perform everyday tasks. This new implant represents a significant advancement in treatment options, potentially improving quality of life for millions of arthritis sufferers.

The details

The surgery involves implanting a new device that cushions the thumb joint, replacing the lost cartilage tissue that causes the bone-on-bone pain of arthritis. Ferree, who had previously undergone the traditional surgery on his right hand, said the new procedure went very well with minimal pain. Dr. Tosti noted that the implant, which was developed in Europe, shows innovation in hand surgery that has lagged behind advancements in hip and knee replacements.

  • Four months ago, Ferree had the new joint replacement surgery on his thumb.
  • The implant was FDA cleared in July.

The players

Randy Ferree

A retired engineer from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and one of the first patients to receive the new thumb joint replacement surgery.

Dr. Richard Tosti

An orthopedic surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics who performed the new thumb implant procedure on Ferree.

Rothman Orthopaedics

The orthopedic practice where Dr. Tosti works and where the new thumb implant surgery was performed.

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What they’re saying

“The surgery went very, very well. I didn't really have a lot of pain with it.”

— Randy Ferree (CBS News)

“What's exciting about this implant is that I think it shows a new step towards innovation and hand surgery catching up with total hip and total knee surgery.”

— Dr. Richard Tosti, Orthopedic Surgeon, Rothman Orthopaedics (CBS News)

What’s next

The new thumb implant was recently approved by the FDA, and more patients are expected to receive the procedure in the coming months as awareness and adoption increases.

The takeaway

This innovative thumb joint replacement surgery offers new hope for the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating arthritis in their hands, providing a potential path to regain mobility and quality of life.