Teo, S. H., Ng D. C., Wong, Y.K.(2018). Effectiveness of proximal interphalangeal joint blocking orthosis vs metacarpophalangeal joint blocking orthosis in trigger digit: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Hand Therapy, 1-7.
The Skinny- This study compared PIP joint immobilization via an Oval-8TM with a custom MCP blocking orthosis in the treatment of trigger finger.
In the Weeds – Patient (n=35) with Trigger Finger (n=43) were analyzed. Twenty-three patients were allocated to the PIP joint splinting group and 20 patients were in the MCP splinting group. Patients wore the orthosis for eight weeks.
Pain reduction was observed in both groups, but pain reduction was greater with PIP joint splinting compared to the MCP joint splinting group (MCP joint splint). There was only significant improvement in QuickDASH for the PIP splinting Group. Patients wore the pip joint splint significantly longer during the day compared to the MCP splinting group (MCP splint), most likely due to improved comfort.
Bringing it Home- Findings suggest both orthoses are effective in reducing QuickDASH scores, reducing pain and improving overall trigger finger symptoms based on Green’s Classification. However, the pip joint immobilization splint was better for improved function and improved compliance.
The rationale for the rating. Small sample size. All patients with comorbidities were excluded limiting the generalizability of findings. Immobilizing the PIP joint compared to the MCP allows more function and improved compliance. When immobilizing the MCP you limit intrinsic grasp which is a necessity for function. The authors recommend wearing the orthosis for a 4-week duration of 24 hours in order to reduce triggering symptoms followed by night-time splint wear for another 3-4 weeks.
4 Comments
Leave a Comment
More To Read
7 Tips for your Osteo Arthritis Patients!
7 Tips for your OA Patients! Managing Osteoarthritis in the Hand Our hands are one of the most intricate structures in the human body. They are composed of a network of tendons, ligaments, and nerves that make it possible to perform daily tasks such as unlocking a door, peeling an egg, or sending an email…
Read More
Collagenase injection versus Partial fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture
Rapid Review By: Shruti Jani Title: Collagenase injection versus partial fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture Reference: Tay, T. K. W., Tien, H., & Lim, E. Y. L. (2015). Comparison between Collagenase Injection and Partial Fasciectomy in the Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture. Hand Surgery, 20(3), 386-390. https://doi-org.mwu.idm.oclc.org/10.1142/S0218810415500288 The Skinny: “Comparison between Collagenase Injection and…
Read More
Changes in ROM of the MCP after Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis
Rapid Review: Changes in ROM of the MCP after Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis Hayashi, M., Kato, H., Komatsu, M., Yamazaki, H., Uchiyama, S., & Takahashi, J. (2021). Changes in the Functional Range of Motion of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint After Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis for Patients With Advanced Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis. The Journal of hand surgery, S0363-5023(21)00613-4. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.09.018. The Skinny: Several published…
Read More
A Better De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Test
J. F. Goubau, L. Goubau, A. Van Tongel, P. Van Hoonacker, D. Kerckhove, B. Berghs (2013).The wrist hyperflexion and abduction of the thumb (WHAT) test: a more specific and sensitive test to diagnose de Quervain tenosynovitis than the Eichhoff’s Test. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014 Mar; 39(3): 286–292. Published online 2013 Jan 22. doi:…
Read More
Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.
Trigger finger is easy to fix with surgery release. I’ve had it done. Piece of cake.
Have seen a pt lose a finger due to a freak release surgery accident. Have seen the scar tissue left behind following a surgical release replicate a trigger digit. Have seen conservative management effectively treat a trigger digit.
Even simple surgeries carry risks for pts, especially if there are preexisting conditions like diabetes or Raynaud’s. So maybe it is best to explore all aspects of treatment before throwing out a blanket statement, right?
why go to surgery before all conservative measures? Before surgery I would certainly consider CSI, which most times resolve the situation. another thing, is inflammation in the body due yo metabolic issues also need to be considered
What are some suggestions for pediatric trigger finger in the thumb?