Tampa, FL (February 26, 2026) — In a significant breakthrough for hand surgery and joint replacement, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) have become the first in Florida to perform surgery using the TOUCH CMC prosthesis, an innovative artificial joint designed to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis. This debilitating condition affects millions of Americans and can severely impair hand function and quality of life.

The TOUCH CMC prosthesis is the first implant of its kind to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the United States for total joint replacement of the first CMC joint. The prosthesis provides a groundbreaking option for patients with moderate to severe thumb arthritis seeking improved mobility, strength and pain relief after nonsurgical treatments have failed.

“This procedure, performed by Dr. Devin Collins and Dr. Alfred Hess of Florida Orthopaedic Institute, represents a major step forward in restoring hand function and improving quality of life for patients,” said Dr. Roy Sanders, Chief, TGH Orthopaedic Institute and Orthopaedic Surgery, Professor & Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, President & Chief Medical Officer Florida Orthopaedic Institute. 

“Introducing this next-generation surgical implant as the first in the state underscores our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and our mission to deliver the best of modern medicine — driven by evidence, powered by innovation and centered on the patient.”

Currently in limited market release, the TOUCH CMC prosthesis has been used in 20 facilities across the country. Florida Orthopaedic Institute was chosen as a key launch site because of its national reputation for clinical leadership and its longstanding fellowship program.

“This is a defining moment in patient care,” added Dr. Alfred Hess, Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. “By introducing this first-in-the-state implant, we are fundamentally raising the standard of care and delivering better outcomes and an improved quality of life for our patients.”

Unlike traditional procedures that remove bone and rely on scar tissue for cushioning, the CMC prosthesis replaces the damaged joint with a dual-mobility ball-and-socket implant with an advanced design that preserves thumb length, improves joint stability and restores natural strength and movement.

“This implant has the potential to redefine the standard of care for thumb CMC osteoarthritis by delivering unmatched mobility while restoring joint function and stability,” said Dr. Devin Collins, Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. “We are proud to help advance evidence-based innovation that not only improves outcomes but also contributes to the evolution of musculoskeletal care.”

“This milestone reflects our mission as an academic medical center to lead in innovation and improve care across the region,” said Tom Cairo, vice president of TGH Neuroscience and Orthopaedic Institutes. “By partnering with forward-thinking physicians and embracing new technologies, we’re able to provide our patients with access to the most advanced treatments available.”

Check out the original press release here.

About Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Founded in 1989, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is Florida’s largest physician-led orthopedic group. It provides expertise and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries and conditions, including adult reconstruction and arthritis, foot and ankle, general orthopedics, hand and wrist, orthopedic trauma, shoulder and elbow, spine, interventional pain management, sports medicine, podiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, chiropractic services, and physical and occupational therapy, among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa, South Tampa, and Citrus Park, at several orthopaedic Urgent Care centers and at office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Citrus Park, Gainesville, Lakeland, Northdale, North Tampa, Ocala, Palm Harbor, Riverview, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel.

February 26, 2026