Highlights
- •Multimodal intervention with individualized assessment of impairment and function
- •Mounting evidence supports a dynamic stability modeled approach for thumb pain
- •Proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education and exercises involve all thumb muscles
- •Strengthening the first dorsal interosseous and opponens pollicis appears effective
Abstract
Study Design
Expert opinion
Introduction
Thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC) osteoarthritis is a common condition seen in the
hand therapy clinic. Prevalence is generally higher in females, and the percentage
rises for post-menopausal females. Patients typically present with pain and functional
difficulties. Conservative management is recommended before a surgical consult. Evidence
is mounting that a dynamic stability modeled approach has a significant effect on
pain and improving function.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is two-fold: first, to present the history and development
of a dynamic stabilization model for treatment of the patient with thumb CMC osteoarthritis
(OA), and second, to provide expert clinical commentary and recommendations for the
treatment of thumb CMC OA in light of the best available evidence.
Methods
Expert clinical commentary is based on an extensive review of relevant literature.
Results
The current literature and expert opinion supports an evidence-informed multimodal
intervention: modalities, pain relief techniques, manual release, joint mobilizations
as deemed necessary, neuromuscular re-education through proprioceptive exercises,
and education in joint protection principles.
Conclusion
A rationale for a dynamic stabilization approach is presented. The unique anatomy
of the thumb deserves finely tuned care based on high quality research. To advance
our knowledge and clinical skills we must not become stagnant, but continue to generate
high level evidence. The standard for future thumb CMC OA studies should be well-defined
intervention parameters, consistent documentation, and the use of appropriate patient-rated
outcome measures.
Keywords
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JHT Read for Credit
Quiz: # 866
Record your answers on the Return Answer Form found on the tear-out coupon at the back of this issue or to complete online and use a credit card, go to JHTReadforCredit.com. There is only one best answer for each question.
- # 1.This expert commentary was based on
- a.kinematic data
- b.patient interviews
- c.the authors’ extensive clinical experience
- d.literature reviews
- a.
- # 2.Valdes and von der Heyde recommend that patients with advanced CMC OA
- a.undergo CMC fusion
- b.pursue a surgical opinion
- c.avoid strengthening exercises
- d.concentrate on strengthening exercises
- a.
- # 3.A key element of therapy is to facilitate
- a.coordinated activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles
- b.power building of the APL and APB
- c.patient awareness of pain levels
- d.home use of paraffin baths
- a.
- # 4.Albrecht's HEP suggestions were derived from the biomechanical teaching of
- a.Burkhalter
- b.Brand
- c.Colditz
- d.Evans
- a.
- # 5.The authors are satisfied that to date the evidence for the effectiveness of dynamic stabilization is sufficient
- a.true
- b.false
- a.
When submitting to the HTCC for re-certification, please batch your JHT RFC certificates in groups of 3 or more to get full credit.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 16, 2022
Accepted:
June 20,
2022
Received in revised form:
June 2,
2022
Received:
January 30,
2022
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: All name authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and publication of this article.
Funding: None.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
