The goal of this program is to provide therapists with information about the pathophysiology, incidence, operative and nonoperative treatment options, as well as postoperative management of osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb.

After you study the information presented here, you will be able to —

• Recognize three clinical findings commonly seen in CMC osteoarthritis.
• Discuss four conservative treatment options.
• Describe four joint-sparing techniques.

Approval Information

Gannett Healthcare Group is an approved sponsor by the New York State Education Department of continuing education for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from October 21, 2009 to October 21, 2012.

This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #GED012010TPTA2012004 and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas for the period of 1/1/2010 through 12/31/2012. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE.

As of 4/5/10, Gannett Education is recognized by the Physical Therapy Board of California as an approved reviewer and provider of continuing competency courses for the state of California.

Gannett Education was approved as a provider of continuing education by the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association (provider no. 09-0215-001PR) from March 8, 2009 through March 8, 2010.

This course has been approved as meeting the continuing education requirements for PTs and PTAs by the Ohio Physical Therapy Association (approval no. 08S0968, expiration date 8/20/09; approval no. 10S0273 for 01/05/10 to 01/05/11), the Florida Physical Therapy Association (approval no. CE80012670, expiration date 12/31/08; approval no. CE90112674, expiration date 12/31/09; approval no. CE100015093, expiration date 12/31/10), the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (approval no. 44183A; expiration date 10/13/09), and the New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (approval no. 434-2008, expiration date 1/31/10; 240-2010 for 2/1/10 to 1/31/12). Approval of this course does not necessarily imply the Florida Physical Therapy Association supports the views of the presenter or the sponsors.

The Illinois Chapter Continuing Education Committee has certified that this course meets the criteria for approval of Continuing Education offerings established by The Illinois Physical Therapy Association (approval no. 437-2591, expiration date 10/1/09; approval no. 437.3174 for 2/1/10 to 2/1/11). According to the Rules for the Administration of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act (section 1340.61) published by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant applying for re-licensure in Illinois can earn a maximum of 50 percent of their required continuing education hours from self-study. The hours awarded of this course are designated for self-study CE credit.

Other states may accept this course for meeting their CE requirements. Check with your state association or board.