A Pilot Study Comparing of Two Therapy Regimens Following Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare two occupational therapy regimens following arthroplasty: thumb splint plus home program and thumb splint plus occupational therapy. Methods. Nine participants who underwent a ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition surgery of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb were randomly assigned to either receive a splint and occupational therapy intervention or receive a splint and a home exercise program. Participants were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using standardized assessments of joint motion, hand function, strength, and self-reports of pain and functional ability. Results. In each group, participants improved on all measures after surgery but there were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion. The results suggest that either occupational therapy regimen postsurgery is effective but because of the small sample size, the results should be interpreted with caution.

KEYWORDS. :

• Rehabilitation therapy
• hand strength
• occupational therapy
• activities of daily living