The effect of custom-made splints in patients with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.
BACKGROUND
Pain, reduced grip strength, loss of range of motion, and joint stiffness, leading to impaired hand function, and difficulty with daily activities are documented symptoms of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Splinting is a common type of conservative treatment for this injury.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of custom-made thumb splints on pain, function, grip strength, and key pinch in patients with first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.


METHODS
Quasi experimental.


METHODS
Patients with first carpometacarpal grade I and II osteoarthritis (n = 18) participated in a repeated measure study. The patients all wore custom-made thumb splints. All parameters were measured at baseline, and also after 30, 60, and 90 days from initial supply. A visual analogue scale, along with a disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire, a dynamometer and pinch gauge were used to assess pain, function, grip strength, and pinch, respectively.


RESULTS
After 60 days of splint usage, grip strength was improved. However, a reduction in pain was demonstrated after only 30 days and this continued to improve with time. Function and pinch strength also increased significantly and continued to do so during the study period when compared to baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a custom-made splint for patients with osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint produced decreased pain and increased grip strength, pinch strength, and hand function. Clinical relevance Custom-made splints may be recommended for the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.
Student research committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran.
Monireh A
MA
Bani
Mokhtar
M
Arazpour
Reza V
RV
Kashani
Mohammad E
ME
Mousavi
Maryam
M
Maleki
Stephen W
SW
Hutchins
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D052737:Carpometacarpal Joints / Q000503:physiopathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013165:Splints; D013933:Thumb / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome