THUMB CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS

Thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis is a common and clinically significant condition in hand surgery, in which treatment must be individualized according to disease stage, functional demands, and patient expectations. Although the scientific literature on this condition is extensive, the available knowledge remains dispersed across articles, reviews, and individual book chapters. The need for a comprehensive resource dedicated specifically to thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis provided the principal motivation for this book. Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis was conceived to bring current scientific evidence, contemporary treatment strategies, and clinical experience together within a single volume. From the fundamental principles of the disease to diagnosis, nonoperative management, surgical decision-making, operative techniques, and rehabilitation, the subject is approached from both scientific and practical perspectives by experienced contributors in the field. Our objective was not merely to compile existing knowledge, but to provide a resource that supports clinical reasoning—particularly in answering the essential questions of which treatment should be selected, for which patient, and why. We hope this book will serve as a reliable, contemporary, and enduring reference for orthopaedic surgeons, hand surgeons, and orthopaedic residents. We extend our sincere gratitude to all section editors and contributing authors whose expertise, experience, and dedication made this volume possible. Editors Mustafa Hulisi ÖZKAN MD, Professor Sercan ÇAPKIN MD, Associate Professor Ali İhsan KILIÇ MD, Associate Professor