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
Covid-19: What is your clinic doing?
It’s what every patient is talking about when they come in? With the suspension of every major sport, international travel banned, and hospital quarantines, everyone wants to know what their own therapists are doing to address the problem. I’m a small business owner and therapist. That means I really have 3 priorities. 1: Protect my…
Management of the Stiff Finger: Evidence and Outcomes
Title: Management of the Stiff Finger: Evidence and Outcomes Reference: Yang, G., McGlinn, E. P., & Chung, K. C. (2014). Management of the stiff finger: Evidence and outcomes. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 41(3), 501–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2014.03.011 Article Review By: Tommi Hintnaus The Skinny: This study focuses on understanding and managing finger stiffness, a condition characterized by…
Flexor tendon rehabilitation in the 21st century: A systematic review
Neiduski, R. L. & Powell, R. K. (2019). Flexor tendon rehabilitation in the 21st century: A systematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy, 32, 165-174. The Skinny The objective of the study was to determine if there was evidence to support 1 type of exercise regimen. Exercise regimens reviewed include place and holds, early passive or…
Title: Understanding De Quervain’s Pathology: A Comprehensive Exploration of Special Tests
Understanding De Quervain’s Pathology: A Comprehensive Exploration of Special Tests By: Miranda Materi De Quervain’s and Special Tests De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and discomfort. These tendons include Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) and Extensor Pollicis Brevis as they pass through…
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.