Effect of Immobilization of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint in Thumb Osteoarthritis

A hand therapy blinded to the subjects' intervention took baseline measurements (Spanish- Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and pain intensity) prior to randomization. Participants were introduced in an Excel database in order of arrival and were randomized into 2 equal groups by an automatic program (Group A : Whale orthotic. Group B Colditz Orthotic). The same low temperature thermoplastic material was used for both orthoses (Orfit Colors NS 2.0 mm, micro perforated/ Orfit Industries, Wijnegem, Belgium). The orthoses were custom -fabricated for each patient by a hand therapy clinician experienced in orthopedic cases. Both groups of patients received identical orthotic wearing instructions. Patients were asked to use the orthosis during the nighttime and also during daytime ADL's for three to four hours per day. Each patient was also provided with a data collection sheet in order to control treatment adherence. All patients were asked to report any discomfort when using the orthosis. The orthosis was the only treatment intervention received by the participants. No therapeutic exercises, modalities or other complementary treatments were offered to the patients in order not to interfere with the individual effectiveness of the orthosis. Patients were contacted by telephone a week after and were ask about pain intensity. Three months after first evaluation, participants were cited in hand therapy clinic in order to collect again outcomes measurements.