Influence of Custom Orthosis Post Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthroplasty

Influence of Custom Orthosis Post Carpometacarpal CMC) Arthroplasty

This study aims to compare post-surgical outcomes of individuals who receive either a custom orthosis or prefabricated splint after carpometacarpal arthroplasty.

This research study will randomly assign subjects post CMC arthroplasty to Intervention A (prefabricated splint) or Intervention B (custom orthosis). The orthosis and splint being used in this study are both considered standard practice. Subjects will be provided the splint or orthosis at the first post-operative appointment. Subjects who are assigned to Intervention A will be provided a pre-fabricated splint by a member of the surgical team. Subjects who are assigned to Invention B will be evaluated by an occupational therapist and a custom orthosis will be fabricated. Outcome measures include: QuickDASH, Pain Visual Analogue Scale, active range of motion measurements, the Applied Dexterity portion of the Arthritis Hand Function Test except for the putty cutting task, edema, Sandy Grading Score and the Orthotics and Prosthetics User's Survey (OPUS) Satisfaction with Device and Services. Data will be collected at the first, second, and third post-operative appointment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• status post CMC arthroplasty
• 18 or older
• able to read and understand English
• capable of independently consenting to health care procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• if the surgeon identifies risk factors that would preclude random assignment to the control or experimental group
• if subject requests a prefabricated or custom orthosis.