Osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb ( CMC-1) is a common problem and many patients will seek medical attention and may eventually need surgical treatment. As no treatment option has shown consistent superiority, a variety of surgical procedures have been proposed. In this review paper we present our algorithm for the approach of symptomatic CMC-1 osteoarthritis, supported by scientific evidence and our personal experience. It is primarily based on patient demands, status of CMC-1 disease and associated problems around the thumb. The selection of a successful surgical treatment plan with restoration of a pain free and fully functional thumb is the goal. We’ll outline the pro’s and con’s of the surgical procedures and although trapeziectomy has long been the gold standard, the advent of reliable total joint arthroplasties with good short and long-term outcome reports has changed our treatment protocol completely.