New Thumb Joint Replacement Implant Helps Restore Functionality for Patient
When chronic thumb pain began interfering with the activities he loved most, John Hayes, MD, knew it was time to find answers.
What started as occasional discomfort in his left hand gradually became a daily challenge, especially for someone whose hands had always played such an important role in both his personal and professional life.
Connecting with a Trusted Provider
A retired physician and lifelong musician, John spends much of his free time playing piano, guitar and bluegrass mandolin. Music has always been a major part of his life, but over time, arthritis in his left thumb made even simple practice sessions painful.
“After playing for short periods of time, I would experience significant discomfort that limited my ability to fully enjoy the hobby I’ve always loved” said John. “I was missing out, and I wanted to do something about it. So, I went to Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center.”
John’s relationship with Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, now an OrthoIndy practice, spans decades. In 1998, he worked alongside Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center physicians as an internal medicine and psychiatrist physician, forming lasting relationships with many of the doctors.
Then in 2020, he was treated by hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Greenburg for a forearm injury and came away impressed by the professionalism, expertise and quality of care he received throughout his recovery.
Due to his confidence in the care team, John came back in 2025 to have his thumb checked.
A Plan to Restore a Thumb Joint
While meeting with Dr. Greenburg, again, John learned he had significant thumb arthritis. During that visit, Dr. Greenburg discussed an emerging thumb joint replacement technology that could offer improved function and a quicker recovery compared to traditional procedures.
“I was very intrigued by the new thumb joint replacement option,” John said. “I was willing to wait for it to receive FDA approval.”
To manage symptoms in the meantime, John received a thumb injection for temporary relief. As Dr. Greenburg prepared for retirement, he referred John to hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Thomas Kaplan to continue his care once the new thumb joint replacement implant became available.
“I knew I needed to get this fixed,” John said. “Being able to use my hands comfortably again was extremely important to me.”
Surgery, Recovery and Looking Ahead
Once the TOUCH® thumb implant became available, John moved forward with surgery in December 2025.
The procedure also carried special significance: John became the first patient to receive the implant in the first U.S. clinical study.
Following a successful surgery with Dr. Kaplan, Dr. Greenburg and assistance from hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Brandon Smetana, John spent two weeks in bandages before gradually beginning strengthening exercises and rehabilitation. Using a combination of guided therapy and at-home exercises provided by the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center team, he steadily rebuilt grip strength and mobility in his thumb.
From the very beginning, John says the entire team helped him feel confident and prepared for every step of the process.
“The care I received from Dr. Kaplan was excellent,” John shared. “When you’ve spent your life in medicine, you recognize exceptional care when you see it. The therapists and clinical team at Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center also provided an outstanding level of care throughout my entire experience.”
Today, John can use his thumb like he hasn’t in years, allowing him to get back to music and everyday activities with far less pain.
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Patients who believe they may be candidates for the TOUCH® thumb implant are encouraged to consult with their physician. Schedule an appointment at indianahandtoshoulder.com.
To learn more about how Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center is helping lead a paradigm shift in the treatment of thumb arthritis, read our press release on the new TOUCH® thumb implant.
