FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) is pleased to announce that it has completed its first Keri TOUCH® CMC 1 Thumb Prosthesis Implant surgery at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC). The FDA-approved KeriMedical device is a cementless, dual-mobility, ball-and-socket implant designed to replace the damaged, pain-causing joint while preserving bone. The new thumb osteoarthritis surgery aims to give patients better function, faster recovery from surgery and reduced pain.
NAH Orthopedic & Spine Institute (OSI) Flagstaff board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Peter Gibson, MD, was the first surgeon in Arizona to use this procedure when he completed the surgery on March 31, 2026. The implant, the first of its kind being used in the United States, is being used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, also called osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal or thumb carpometacarpal joint. Thumb arthritis causes severe pain and grip weakness and is common, affecting an estimated 7% of men and 15% of women, according to the National Library of Medicine.
“We are so proud to be offering this new implant surgery with Dr. Gibson, for patients who are experiencing arthritis in their thumb,” said OSI administrator Matt Kraemer. “Dr. Gibson went to France in March, as this technology has been available in Europe for a decade, to train with approved surgeons and was so excited to bring this technology back to Flagstaff. NAH believes in investing in the community, and that means bringing innovative technology to the community to enhance patient care across the region,” Kraemer added.
“I have always had an interest in the intricacies of body mechanics, and when I learned about this new implant being approved by the FDA in the United States, I knew this would be a game changer for my patients,” said Dr. Gibson. “In the past, when a patient would be experiencing osteoarthritis in their thumb, we would need to remove parts of the anatomy, which would shorten the thumb and lead to diminished pinch strength. This new surgery helps with function, restores length and patients achieve nearly full mobility after surgery. I just had a two-week post-surgery follow-up appointment with my patient and she couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m excited to continue to welcome to patients for this surgery so we can help them increase their quality of life,” Dr. Gibson added.
Recovery after Keri TOUCH® CMC 1 Thumb Prosthesis Implant surgery is generally faster than traditional methods, with many patients returning to light activity within two to four weeks and normal, heavy activities within two to three months. In the past, when patients would need to get the standard tendon reconstruction surgery for osteoarthritis, a patient’s hand would be completely immobilized for six-weeks. Dr. Gibson’s patient who received the implant, Roberta Steidl, voiced her enthusiasm for the surgery and her recovery process, during her two-week follow-up appointment, and had already resumed most of her normal activities.
People who are interested in this milestone surgery can reach out the NAH Orthopedic & Spine Institute Flagstaff at 800-656-7880, or visit www.nahealth.com/orthopedic-services/ for more information.
About Northern Arizona Healthcare
Northern Arizona Healthcare is the largest health care organization in a region that encompasses more than 50,000 square miles. As a nonprofit health care system, our organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Our team of more than 4,000 doctors, nurses and other experts work together to keep you and your family healthy.
Serving more than 700,000 people in communities across the region, we provide comprehensive health care services through two hospitals – Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center – as well as through primary care and specialty physician clinics, outpatient surgical centers, Cardiovascular Institute, Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine, Children’s Health Center, Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport.
For more information on NAH programs and services, visit NAHealth.com. “Like” NAH on Facebook by searching Northern Arizona Healthcare Flagstaff and Northern Arizona Healthcare Verde Valley. Follow NAH on Instagram by searching Northern Arizona Healthcare.