Long-Term Nonsurgical Management of Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) is a common, frequently work-related, disability that often is managed in the short term with some combination of splinting, corticosteroid injection, and exercise. In this Dutch study, researchers assessed the value of splinting and exercise as a longer-term approach by identifying 217 adults (mean age, 59) who had diagnoses of thumb CMC-OA from a hand surgeon and who were referred for hand therapy. Participants received weekly instruction for 6 weeks on thumb strengthening, stretching, and positioning for optimal function (the authors provide a helpful Appendix illustrating these exercises). They also were fitted with standard thumb orthoses.

Participants were assessed at baseline, 3 months, 12…