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Splint for base-of-thumb osteoarthritis: a randomized trial [with consumer summary]
Rannou F, Dimet J, Boutron I, Baron G, Fayad F, Mace Y, Beaudreuil J, Richette P, Ravaud P, Revel M, Poiraudeau S
Annals of Internal Medicine 2009 May 19;150(10):661-669
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND: Some guidelines recommend splinting for base-of-thumb osteoarthritis, despite lack of evidence of efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and acceptability of a splint for base-of-thumb osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized trial. Randomization was computer-generated, and allocation was concealed by faxing centralized treatment assignment to investigators at the time of enrollment. Patients and investigators were not blinded to assignment, and patients self-reported outcomes. SETTING: 2 tertiary care hospitals in France. PATIENTS: 112 patients (101 women) with base-of-thumb osteoarthritis. INTERVENTION: Custom-made neoprene splint (n = 57) or usual care (n = 55). MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was change in pain level assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (range 0 to 100 mm) from baseline to 1 month. Secondary outcomes were change in measures of hand disability at 1 month and change in pain level and measures of disability at 12 months. Tolerance and adherence with the splint were recorded. RESULTS: At 1 month, no difference in change occurred in pain level from baseline in the intervention and control groups (adjusted mean change -10.1 versus -10.7; between-group difference 0.6 (95% CI -7.9 to 9.1); p = 0.89). Disability was assessed by the Cochin Hand Function Scale score (range 0 to 90) or patient-perceived disability (VAS 0 to 100 mm). At 12 months, change in pain from baseline was greater in the intervention group than in the control group (adjusted mean change -22.2 versus -7.9; between-group difference -14.3 (CI -23.4 to -5.2); p = 0.002). The Cochin Hand Function Scale score was -1.9 versus 4.3 (between-group difference -6.3 (CI -10.9 to -1.7); p = 0.008) and patient-perceived disability was -11.6 versus 1.5 (between-group difference -13.1 (CI -21.8 to -4.4); p = 0.003). At 12 months, 86% of the intervention group had worn the splint for more than 5 nights a week, and no adverse effects were observed. LIMITATION: Patients, health care providers, and outcome assessors were not blinded. CONCLUSION: For patients with base-of-thumb osteoarthritis, wearing a splint had no effect on pain at 1 month but improved pain and disability at 12 months. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique National.

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