SPORTS MEDICINE NEWSLETTER
February2026
UCHealth physicians, including Dr. Catalano, Dr. Leversedge, Dr. Greyson and Dr. Belton at the University of Colorado Hospital, recently performed the first procedure of its kind in the western United States — a next-generation thumb arthritis surgery using a small prosthetic joint designed to improve outcomes for patients with severe thumb arthritis.
Unlike traditional surgery, which removes the arthritic joint and can result in prolonged pain, weakness, thumb collapse and lengthy recovery times, this innovative approach uses a Swissdesigned prosthetic ball joint — the Touch CMC 1 Dual Mobility Trapeziometacarpal Prosthesis. Dr. Catalano calls it “a hip replacement for a squirrel ” The implant preserves bone, maintains thumb stability, and eliminates the need for casting or K-wires. Surgical results in Europe, where the technique has been used since 2018, show a significantly less painful and faster recovery compared with traditional procedures.
The surgical team trained extensively in Europe and is now among the first in the country to offer the procedure as part of an FDA-approved clinical trial. Early results show patients going home the same day with minimal dressing, experiencing reduced discomfort, and regaining stronger thumb function more quickly. Many patients report improved pinch strength and greater overall hand function following the procedure.
This novel surgery represents a major advancement for patients whose daily activities have been limited by painful thumb arthritis and reflects UCHealth’s continued commitment to bringing cuttingedge orthopedic care to Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
Colorado Surgeons Bring New Thumb Arthri
United Sta
Dr. Belton shares his personal insight on the Touch CMC 1:
"From my standpoint, CMC basilar thumb arthritis is one of the most common debilitating diseases of the hand without a perfect solution. Though previous surgeries have been helpful and have provided patients some relief, they are imperfect in that the recovery is prolonged and the construct does not reestablish the native architecture of the hand. Though those previous surgeries to date have been good, it is imperative upon us as academic surgeons to push the envelope and look for additional interventions that may benefit our patients. We had the unique opportunity of learning a new technique in Switzerland and France in early 2025, and Drs. Catalano, Greyson, and myself were impressed by the dual mobility prosthesis commonly performed by our European colleagues. Primarily, the decreased recovery period, the decreased post-operative pain, the lack for standardized occupational hand therapy and bracing, and the cosmetic reconstruction of the hand was something that we hoped to recreate in the United States.
The University of Colorado was chosen as a post-FDA approval study site allowing our department's hand surgeons to offer this surgery to our patients while studying surgical outcomes in US patients, replicating the preceding European trials. After months of training and surgical planning, our team (Drs. Catalano, Leversedge, Greyson, Belton) performed the first four CMC Touch One implant arthroplasties in Colorado and the entire Wet Coast. With initial success and burgeoning optimism, we will continue to shepherd this innovation across the US and provide an additional option for patients suffering from this disease. "
After winning gold in the Women’s Slalom at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, 18-year-old Mikaela Shiffrin shared a heartfelt note of gratitude to Dr. McCarty, writing, “Dr. McCarty, thanks for fixing up my shin a few years ago.”
"I recently traveled with the U.S. Junior Synchronized Figure Skating Team to Milan, Italy, for the Spring Cup 2026 competition. It was my first time working with a synchro team, and I was excited to learn more about the intricacies of the sport. I’ve covered several figure skating camps before, but synchronized skating is an entirely different world.
More than a decade later, Shiffrin has once again reached the top of the podium recently earning her third Olympic gold medal in Women’s Slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy!
During the trip, I covered all practices and competitions. While there were no injuries on the ice, I did have to manage an acute allergic reaction that ultimately required an athlete to go to the hospital. Navigating an overseas healthcare system was a learning experience, and it reinforced just how important it is to have a strong team around you. With the support of the team leader and team manager, we were able to ensure the athlete received the care she needed.
From a young Olympic champion to a multi-gold medalist, her continued success is a powerful reminder of the impact that expert care, resilience, and dedication can have over the course of an athlete’s career.
Overall, this trip was one for the books. I stepped outside my comfort zone by covering a sp t I k littl b t g i d fi th d i ith i t ti l dical logis eing th uly insp o the
Mikaela Shiffrin after winning gold at 2026 Winter Olympics
