A custom-made neoprene thumb carpometacarpal orthosis with thermoplastic stabilization: an orthosis that promotes function and improvement in patients with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with mild to moderate first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis report pain, a reduction in pinch and grip strength and hand function. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a custom-made neoprene thumb carpometacarpal orthosis with thermoplastic stabilization on pain, function, grip strength, and key pinch in these patients. TECHNIQUE: A total of 11 volunteer patients participated in this study. All the above-mentioned parameters were evaluated at baseline and also 30, 60, and 90 days after using the splint. DISCUSSION: A decrease in pain was observed after 30 days, and this continued to improve during treatment with the splint. After 90 days of using the splint, grip strength was improved. Function and pinch strength also increased significantly and was maintained during the study period compared to baseline. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A custom-made neoprene thumb carpometacarpal orthosis with thermoplastic stabilization may be a suitable conservative approach for the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.