Article

When the first carpometacarpal joint of the wrist is immobilized
using an orthosis to combat the effects of osteoarthritis, atrophy of the thenar
muscles may occur.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the thenar
muscle diameter and cross-sectional area, joint function, and pain, before and
after being supplied with an orthosis in patients with grades 1 and 2
carpometacarpal osteoarthritis compared to a control group. METHODS: A total of 25 volunteer patients were
randomized into two groups (an orthosis group and a control group) using a
randomization table. A visual analog scale, the Michigan Hand Questionnaire, and
ultrasound were used to measure pain, function, and specific muscle
cross-sectional areas at baseline and after 4 weeks in both groups. RESULTS: Mean
visual analog scale pain scores decreased by 20% after 4 weeks of splinting,
while those in the control group decreased by 3%. Changes in scores were
significantly different between both groups ( p = 0.001). There was no
significant difference between the groups in either the Michigan Hand
Questionnaire score or the muscle cross-sectional area. CONCLUSION: A large and
significant effect on perceived pain in patients with first carpometacarpal joint
osteoarthritis was observed after 4 weeks of splint use. Differences in treatment
effects were found with regard to muscle cross-sectional areas, but these were
not significant. Clinical relevance Custom-made splints may be recommended for
the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Moderate to large
but non-significant treatment effects were found with regard to muscle
cross-sectional areas.

Langue : ANGLAIS