The effect of two different orthoses on pain, hand function, patient satisfaction and preference in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a multicentre, crossover, randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the Push Ortho Thumb Brace CMC and a custom-made orthosis in the treatment of patients with primary osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Our outcome measures were pain scores, tests of hand function, patient satisfaction and patient preference.


METHODS
A multicentre crossover randomised controlled trial was conducted which included 63 patients (44 women) with primary osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Of these, 59 patients with a mean age of 60.1 years (standard deviation 8.2), completed the study. Patients used both orthoses for two weeks with a two-week washout period in-between. Pain was measured on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test, Nine Hole Peg Test, key grip, pinch grip and Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis. Patient preference was assessed using the Dutch version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology score.


RESULTS
Both orthoses resulted in a minor reduction in pain scores without significant difference between the two orthoses. The Push Ortho Thumb Brace CMC interfered less with key grip (p < 0.001) and the Nine Hole Peg Test (p < 0.001) than the custom-made orthosis. The Push Ortho Thumb Brace CMC had a higher patient satisfaction (p < 0.001) and most patients preferred this orthosis for future use.


CONCLUSIONS
When considering an orthosis for osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb, patients may prefer the Push Ortho Thumb Brace CMC. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:237-44.
University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
A E van der
AE
Vegt
Isala Hospital, PO Box 10400, 8000 GK Zwolle, The Netherlands.
R
R
Grond
University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
J S
JS
Grüschke
Isala Hospital, PO Box 10400, 8000 GK Zwolle, The Netherlands.
M F
MF
Boomsma
Isala Hospital, PO Box 10400, 8000 GK Zwolle, The Netherlands.
C H
CH
Emmelot
University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
P U
PU
Dijkstra
University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
C K van der
CK
Sluis
D000368:Aged; D052737:Carpometacarpal Joints; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013933:Thumb; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Orthotics; Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis