The trapezium is a small bone in your wrist at the base of your thumb which is commonly affected by arthritis. A trapeziectomy is the removal of this bone and a small sponge space filler is put in its place. Two weeks after surgery your plaster can be removed and replaced with a thermoplastic splint. The thumb and wrist are then placed in a temporary cast for 1 week and the wound is checked, at which stage a full cast is applied for a further 3 weeks. Then the cast is removed and a removable thermoplastic splint is fashioned. Patients are then referred to the Hand Therapist for range of motion and strengthening exercises.