Daytime Functional Usage Versus Night-Time Wearing: Identifying the Optimal Wearing Regimen for a Custom-Made Orthosis in the Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the functional (daytime) use to the nightly use of an orthosis for patients affected by trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (OA). DesignRandomized, controlled single-blind trial. SettingThe rheumatology outpatient clinic of the University. ParticipantsSixty participants diagnosed with trapeziometacarpal OA. InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned into 2 groups: a functional group that used a functional hand-based thumb immobilization orthosis during activities of daily living and a night-time group that used the same orthosis at night. Main Outcomes MeasuresThe patients were evaluated at baseline and after 45, 90, 180, and 360 days considering: pain at the base of the thumb and in the hand, range of motion of the thumb, grip, and pinch strength, manual dexterity, and hand function. ResultsThe groups were homogeneous at the beginning of the trial. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups over time for trapeziometacarpal pain (P=.646). For general hand pain, no statistically significant difference was found between groups over time (P=.594). Although both groups improved from baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the vast majority of the assessed parameters. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found only in the following outcomes: thumb palmar abduction of the right hand (P=.023), pick-up test with closed eyes of the right hand (P=.048), and tripod grip strength of the right hand (P=.006). ConclusionsBoth groups showed improvement in pain and function from baseline to the end of the intervention. However, there were no reported differences in these outcomes after a 1-year follow-up between the functional (daytime) and night-time use of orthosis in patients with trapeziometacarpal OA. This suggests that both types of usage can be offered to patients.