KEEP THAT THUMB SPLINT ON

For patients with osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, wearing a splint had no effect on pain at 1 month but improved pain and disability at 12 months, says an article published in the May issue (Vol 150 Issue 10) of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Related Links

THUMB ARTHRITIS ABSTRACT

Jun 14, 2009 8:15 AM - This multicenter research, conducted in 2 tertiary care hospitals in France, included 112 patients (101 women) with base-of-thumb osteoarthritis. Patients self-reported their outcomes. Intervention was a custom-made neoprene splint (n = 57) or usual care (n = 55).

Primary outcome was change in pain level assessed on a visual analogue scale from baseline to 1 month. Secondary outcomes were change in measures of hand disability at 1 month and change in pain level and measures of disability at 12 months. Tolerance and adherence with the splint were recorded.

At 1 month, there was no difference in pain level from baseline in the intervention and control groups. Disability was assessed by the Cochin Hand Function Scale score (range, 0 to 90) or patient-perceived disability (VAS). At 12 months, change in pain from baseline was greater in the intervention group than in the control group. The Cochin Hand Function Scale score was –1.9 versus 4.3 and patient-perceived disability was –11.6 versus 1.5 mm. At 12 months, 86% of the intervention group had worn the splint for more than 5 nights a week.

No adverse effects were observed.

So if you are not noticing a change with any splint after 1 month of use and your doctor still recommends use of the splint, contact ECRC Physical Therapy for a consultation as the splint may need adjusting. If you are wearing a splint based upon your own recommendation, ECRC Physical Therapy may be able to recommend some exercises that could speed your healing process.