Leading the Way: Lexington Clinic Physician Joins Select Surgeons Nationally in Early Adoption of FDA-approved Thumb Procedure

LEXINGTON, KY – March 9, 2026 – Dr. Stephen C. Umansky, a Lexington Clinic physician and board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery, has performed one of the first TOUCH® CMC 1 thumb joint replacements in Kentucky and is among the early adopters of the procedure in the United States.

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the procedure establishes Dr. Umansky as a leader in advanced treatment for thumb carpometacarpal arthritis and was carried out at Lexington Clinic’s outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Center.

“Thumb arthritis impacts everything from simple grasping to overall hand strength, and many patients reach us only after years of unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment,” said Dr. Umansky. “What makes this implant so exciting is its potential to restore natural movement and strength—not just reduce pain. Being part of the first wave of surgeons using it in the U.S. means we can give patients meaningful improvement in terms of mobility and comfort much earlier in their treatment journey.”

The TOUCH CMC 1 prosthesis, developed by KeriMedical and distributed by Medartis, is considered a significant advancement in the treatment of thumb arthritis. The implant has been widely used in Europe for more than a decade and is now entering early clinical use in the United States.

As one of the first U.S. surgeons trained on the procedure in Europe, Dr. Umansky is expanding access to an innovative surgical option for patients with severe thumb CMC.

“Bringing this into clinical practice here is a significant milestone,” said Dr. Umansky. “Kentucky patients deserve access to the same advanced joint‑replacement options available at major centers across the country, and early adoption of this technology ensures we are helping shape the next chapter of hand and upper‑extremity care in our backyard and beyond.”

About Lexington Clinic

Lexington Clinic is Central Kentucky’s oldest and largest independent multi-specialty group practice. Founded in 1920, the organization’s 200+ physicians provide healthcare across more than 40 specialties serving patients at more than 30 locations.