title: Functional thumb orthosis for type I and II boutonniere deformity on the dominant hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of a functional thumb orthosis on the dominant hand of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere thumb.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere deformity of the thumb were randomly distributed into two groups. The intervention group used the orthosis daily and the control group used the orthosis only during the evaluation. Participants were evaluated at baseline as well as after 45 and 90 days. Assessments were preformed using the O'Connor Dexterity Test, Jamar dynamometer, pinch gauge, goniometry and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. A visual analogue scale was used to assess thumb pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients in the intervention group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain. The thumb orthosis did not disrupt grip and pinch strength, function, Health Assessment Questionnaire score or dexterity in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of thumb orthosis for type I and type II boutonniere deformities was effective in relieving pain.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paula Gabriel
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Império
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Breitschwerdt
authors.forename: Pola Maria
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Poli Araújo
authors.forename: Jamil
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Natour
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001915:Braces; D005260:Female; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D052581:Pinch Strength