Local surgeon is first in NY to do new basal joint replacement procedure

It’s a solution to basal joint arthritis, which usually presents itself in people over the age of 40, and can make simple tasks like texting or opening a door painful.

While there are other replacement surgeries available, the new procedure addresses a common side effect.

"The biggest downside to reconstruction of that joint is the weakness that people have following the reconstructions, and if we can provide them with something that gives them more strength by having an implant that holds in there and allows them to pinch in a way that's stronger, they're going to be happier," Dr. Ronchetti said.

Dr. Ronchetti replaced the bone with a speed spiral, which doesn’t wear away. He expects it to shorten the recovery process.