Trigger Finger
Conditions
Keywords
Trigger finger, relative motion splint, pain, function, satisfaction, static splint
Brief summary
RME orthosis is recommended for the treatment of trigger finger. However, its efficacy has not been studied in trigger finger patients. Given the increasing popularity of this orthosis among clinicians, it is important to evaluate their effectiveness to provide evidence for its use in trigger finger. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a 6-week orthotic intervention in a randomly selected group of patients with trigger finger using MCP-blocking and RME orthoses.
Detailed description
Generally, three types of orthoses are used in the treatment of trigger finger. Some authors used MCP blocking orthosis, while others used DIP or PIP blocking orthosis. Comparative studies are quite limited, as only one study comparing two orthotic designs found that the MCP blocking orthosis was more effective than the DIP blocking orthosis.The MCP blocking orthosis, which restricts the MCP joint to 10-15° of flexion, is commonly used in the conservative treatment of trigger finger.An RME orthosis could be an alternative orthotic treatment option for trigger finger because it holds the MCP in an extended position. The RME orthosis is thought to prevent flexion of the affected finger, thereby limiting tendon glide. This reduces the pressure on the A1 pulley, allowing the tendon to glide more smoothly, reducing the likelihood of triggering. Despite limiting motion,the orthosis still allows the patient to perform daily activities with the orthosis. Therefore, positioning the MCP joint in extension could provide additional benefits in trigger finger. The relative motion orthosis is a new orthotic design that positions the affected finger in 10-15 degrees of extension relative to the adjacent fingers.It also has several advantages, including small size, low-profile design, easy and inexpensive fabrication, and better patient compliance. The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a 6-week orthotic intervention for pain relief in a randomly selected group of patients with TF using the MCP blocking orthosis and the RME orthosis. The secondary objective was to determine the comparative effectiveness of the orthoses on function and satisfaction with the orthosis.
Interventions
PROCEDUREPre-treatment
The custom MCP blocking orthosis was made of a 1.6-mm-thick thermoplastic material that extends from the palm over the MCP joint and includes a ring around the proximal phalanx. It is designed to block the MCP joint in flexion of 10°-20° while allowing full range of motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.
PROCEDUREPost-treatment
The RME orthosis was fabricated from 3.2-mm-thick thermoplastic material with the affected finger positioned at an extension of approximately 10°-20° relative to the adjacent fingers.
Sponsors
Hacettepe University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Splints are fabricated by the orthotist and outcome assessments are performed by a physiotherapist.
Intervention model description
Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MCP-blocking orthosis group or the RME orthosis group, using a simple random sampling method.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* patients diagnosed with Stage 1-3 trigger finger (Froimson Classification) * A1 pulley triggering
Exclusion criteria
* trigger thumb * multiple trigger fingers on one hand * neurological disorders * rheumatologic diseases * pregnancy * patients who had received a steroid injection in the affected finger within the previous six months * patients who had previously undergone trigger release surgery
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Finger Pain | baseline, sixth week | Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfaction with the orthosis | sixth week | The Quebec Assistive Technology User Satisfaction Evaluation (Quest 2.0) |
| Hand Function | baseline, sixth week | Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed