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
What is the Effectiveness of IASTM?
Citation Kim, J., Sung, D. J., Lee, J. (2017). Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: Mechanisms and practical application. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 13(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.1732824.412 The skinny IASTM is a relatively simple technique that uses the surface of an instrument to minimize the amount of pressure or force needed…
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…
Dorsal Wrist Pain?
Incorporating Emerging Evidence into Clinical Practice for Patients Experiencing Dorsal Wrist Pain During Weight-Bearing Activities By: Brittany Day Supporting Evidence A randomized control study recently published in the Journal of Hand Therapy found rigid carpal stabilizing taping (CST) to significantly increase passive range of motion, active range of motion, and decrease pain in patients experiencing…
Our Favorite Mallet Finger Splints
By: Josh MacDonald Fabricating a custom splint for a mallet finger injury is challenging. Fingers are tiny and they have small tolerances for errors and adjustments with custom splints. Making a splint for a mallet finger injury is probably the hardest type of finger splint for a therapist to make. Treatment recommendations vary, with some…
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?