A comparison of two splinting techniques for osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal join

Abstract

Effects of two hand-based splint designs were compared regarding thumb pain, pinch strength, hand function, and splint satisfaction in subjects 1with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) I joint osteoarthritis. Thirty subjects were treated with a prefabricated soft neoprene splint or a rigid custom-made Aquaplast splint worn during hand function for approximately four weeks. Subjects were tested pre- and post-treatment for thumb pain during hand function, pain while pinching, pinch strength with and without splint we'!,r, hand function, and splint satisfaction. The rigid splint differed significantly in improving thumb pain during function, whereas neither splint proved more effective in improving remaining factors pre- to post-treatment, nor was either more satisfying statistically. During post-treatment measurements, wearing a rigid splint was more effective in reducing pain during pinch and pinch strength measurements. Finally, splinting as a whole improved thumb symptoms over Hme except pinch strength.