Abstract
Background/aimEvidence for the effectiveness of splinting in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis is limited. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a prefabricated carpometacarpal metacarpophalangeal immobilization splint on pain, hand function, and hand strength in patients with early-stage thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.Materials and methodsSixty-three hands with stage 1 or 2 thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study. The nonsplint group received oral information about how to accommodate daily activities. The splint group was given a prefabricated carpometacarpal metacarpophalangeal immobilization splint for 6 weeks. Pain was evaluated using the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN). Hand functions were evaluated using the AUSCAN and the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) questionnaire. Grip and pinch strengths were measured using a hydraulic dynamometer and a hydraulic pinch gauge.ResultsThe AUSCAN pain, stiffness, function, total scores, and Q-DASH scores were significantly decreased in the splint group compared to the nonsplint group. Significant increments in grip and pinch strengths were detected in the splint group compared to the nonsplint group.ConclusionThe prefabricated carpometacarpal metacarpophalangeal immobilization splint is effective in improving pain, hand function, and hand strength in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.
Highlights
Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common hand OA
The Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) pain, stiffness, function, total scores, and Q-DASH scores were significantly decreased in the splint group compared to the nonsplint group
The AUSCAN pain, stiffness, function, and total scores were significantly decreased in the splint group at the end of the treatment (P < 0.05)
Summary
Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common hand OA. Patients with thumb CMC OA often present with pain, instability, and functional limitations. Pain and instability in the thumb may cause a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living such as grasping, pinching, and turning. The stability of the thumb CMC joint is essential to reduce pain and difficulty in daily living activities [1]. Treatment of thumb CMC OA consists of conservative therapeutic interventions and surgical interventions. Conservative therapy includes joint protection principles, splinting, pain control, exercise, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. The aims of splinting are to improve the stability of the thumb CMC joint by providing external support, to increase hand function, and to reduce pain.
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