Comparison of Trigger Finger Orthotic Wearing Schedules

Study Summary

A randomized prospective pre-post test case series was chosen for this study. This case series will provide feasibility data in preparation for a randomized controlled study of this topic in the future. The primary research question for this case series is as follows: Do the three proposed orthotic wearing schedules provide varying results in the reduction of digital triggering severity and level of pain experienced by those with trigger finger? The following three orthotic wearing schedules will be investigated: only during waking hours, only while sleeping, and continuously. To examine the feasibility of the study the following questions are posed: What was the length of time required to recruit nine eligible participants for the case series through the outpatient clinic utilized for this feasibility study? Based upon the rate of recruitment for the feasibility study, were the initial methods of recruitment adequate or did additional strategies need to be implemented to recruit a sufficient number of participants within the desired time frame? Were the orthotics utilized for the study comfortable to wear and functional for the participants while performing their activities of daily living? Were the number and type of adverse events including redness, edema, tingling, or numbness associated with orthotic wear similar across the groups, limited, non-serious, and did not interfere with orthotic wearing? Did participants wear their orthotics for the prescribed wearing schedule?

Interventions

• OTHER Orthotic continuous wear group
• OTHER Orthotic wear during waking hours only group
• OTHER Orthotic wear only while sleeping group