Comparison of Two Carpometacarpal Stabilizing Splints for Individuals with Thumb Osteoarthritis

Splinting the thumb in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) is a common practice; however, research evidence is lacking to support the use of one specific splint design. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of two different splints on hand function, pain, and hand strength in adults with CMC OA. Fifty-six participants were assigned randomly to splint order in a two-phase, four-week crossover trial. Hand function, the primary outcome, was assessed using the Australian Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Hand Index. Differences between the two splints were not statistically significant for effect on hand function, and grip and pinch strength. However, the custom-made splint showed a greater average reduction in pain scores. Both splints demonstrated modest improvements in hand function. The prefabricated splint was the preferred splint although the custom-made splint decreased pain slightly more. This reinforces the client-centered approach to splinting.Level of Evidence2b.