Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Thumb Orthoses in the Base of the Thumb (BTOA)
Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Thumb Orthoses in the Base of the Thumb (BTOA)
The prevalence of digital osteoarthritis varies according to whether a radiological or clinical definition is adopted.
Interventions: Thumb orthoses to be worn at night and usual care vs usual care. Outcome measures: Pain at 1 month assessed on visual analog scale is the main outcome measure. Disability at 6 months (Cochin Hand Function Scale) and deformation at 1 year are the main secondary outcome measures.
The prevalence of digital osteoarthritis varies according to whether a radiological or clinical definition is adopted. Radiologically defined osteoarthritis of the hand has been estimated to represent 38% of women and 24.5% of men over 66 years of age but higher prevalence of 60-70% has also been reported. Of patients with radiological signs, 20 to 40% become symptomatic. For patients over 55 years of age, the distal interphalangeal joints are the most prevalent site of osteoarthritis (20%) determined radiologically and clinically, followed by the base of the thumb (8%) and proximal interphalangeal joints (5%). This prevalence increases with age, and the incidence peaks in perimenopausal women. Osteoarthritis in the base of the thumb (BTOA) concerns the trapeziometacarpal joint, with a possible secondary location at the trapezotrapezoidial and scaphotrapezial joints. BTOA induces a closure of the first web, which in turn causes an alteration of the thumb-index pinch and therefore a limitation in hand function. Pain induced by the compression of the thumb column during pinching could also lead to functional disability. Effect of a simple intervention such as wearing rest thumb orthoses on pain and disability is unknown.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: