ABSTRACT
The thumb basal joint is the second most commonly involved
site of osteoarthritis in the hand, after the distal interphalangeal
joint. It causes significant disability due to painful, weakened
pinch and grip (1). Women develop basal joint arthritis 10 to 15
times more often than men. Geographical and racial differences
also have an influence on the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the
hand. Basal joint arthritis is less frequently observed in Asian
individuals when compared to caucasians (2).
