Comparison of Custom-made Versus Prefabricated Thumb Splinting for Carpometacarpal Arthrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Filed under Reviews, Uncategorized
Baradaran, A., Baradaran, A., Ebrahimzadeh, M. H., Kachooei, A. R., Rivlin, M., & Beredjiklian, P. (2018). Comparison of Custom-made Versus Prefabricated Splint for Carpometacarpal Arthrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The archives of bone and joint surgery, 6(6), 478–485.
Article Review By: Dalton Busch
The Skinny – A systematic review and meta-analysis were composed to compare the effectiveness of prefabricated orthoses versus a custom-made thermoplastic splint. The splints were created to manage carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA). A total of five randomized clinical trials with a total of 230 patients were analyzed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
In the weeds – Within the five randomized controlled trials, the researchers analyzed patients’ disability scores, pain scores, grip, and pinch strength, and integrated the data properly. All of the trials assessed were comparing results of the CMC OA orthoses as a non-surgical alternative. The primary outcome measure included was the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Secondary measures that were extracted by the researchers included pain ratings, grip strength, and pinch strength. Further, the researchers looked into overall demographics, sample size, study design, and the type of splint utilized on the affected thumb.
Bringing it home – Overall findings from the systematic review pointed towards a statistical difference in the overall disability scores of patients who wore the prefabricated versus the custom, showing preference to the prefabricated. The secondary data relating to pain and grip/pinch strength both showed overall improvement wearing either the prefabricated or custom-made orthotic.
Rating (0-5) – 4: This systematic review and meta-analysis were done across five clinical trials with a large sample size of 230 patients. The review shows the effectiveness of both custom and prefabricated orthoses but shows lessened disability scores for prefabricated. The mean follow-up testing was 8.1 weeks which is a short-term retest as CMC OA orthoses could become a lifelong solution for patients who fall within this category. Improved research may look into long-term follow-up for more accurate data.
1 Comment
Leave a Comment
More To Read
Exploring Unique Hand Anatomy
Exploring Unique Hand Anatomy The human hand is a marvel of intricate design with a combination of fine motor capabilities and strength that enable us to perform fine motor tasks ranging from delicate surgery to more gross motor tasks such as carrying heavy loads. However, no two hands are exactly alike. Anatomical variations while they…
Does Obesity or Smoking change the outcomes for Distal Radius Fractures
Hall, Matthew J., Ostergaard, P., Dowlatshahi, A., Harper, C., Earp, B. Rozental, T. (2019). The Impact of Obesity and Smoking on Outcomes After Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures. The Journal of Hand Surgery. In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 31 October 2019. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.08.017 The Skinny- Distal radius fractures are one of the…
Hand Therapy Article Review: The Radial Synergy Test, An Aid to Diagnose de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Chihua, L., Langford, P.N., Sullivan, G.E., Langford, M.A., Hogan, C.J., & Ruland, R.T. (2021) The radial synergy test: an aid to diagnose de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. HAND. epub ahead of print;1-6. doi: 10.1177/15589447211057297 Rapid Review By: Case Peters The Skinny: de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common pathology that involves swelling and thickening of the tendon sheaths…
Handlebar Palsy also known as Ulnar Nerve Compression
Handlebar Palsy also known as Ulnar Nerve Compression Handlebar palsy, also known as ulnar nerve compression, is a condition commonly experienced by cyclists due to prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve at the wrist in an area called Guyon’s Canal. This pressure can occur from putting pressure on the handlebars or gripping the handlebars tightly. …
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.
This doesn’t surprise me as I think there is a high variability between therapist custom splint designs which may outweigh the potential benefit of having the splint custom fabricated.