Variable Immobilization Protocol for Arthroplasty of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb

Study Summary

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) is common, seen frequently in middle-aged and elderly women. While a variety of surgical treatments have been described with none superior to any other, there is no consensus on the optimal duration of postoperative immobilization. Immobilization following surgery is critical for wound healing, pain control, and aid with activities of daily living in the early recovery period, though the duration of this must be weighed against the negative impacts of immobilization, such as stiffness, contracture, and delay in return to full function. The information gained in this study may allow hand surgeons to use an evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Thus, our goal is to compare varying durations of postoperative immobilization after thumb CMC arthroplasty in a randomized trial design. Subjects will be randomized to treatment with non-removable thumb spica plaster postoperative splint immobilization for 2 weeks or non-removable thumb spica plaster splint transitioned to cast for a total of 6 weeks immobilization following base of thumb arthroplasty. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) and objective metrics will be tracked in the follow-up period.

Primary Outcome

The 11 question disability survey will be scored if at least 10 of the items are completed. The average score of responses (maximum of 5) will be obtained and transformed into score of 0 to 100 by subtracting one and multiplying by 25. A higher score indicated greater disability. The scores between treatment arms will be compared, as well as comparison of baseline scores with subsequent follow-up scores within each treatment arm. Administered at baseline visit, and 2-week, 6-week, 3-month and 1-

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER Immobilization for 2-weeks postoperative
• OTHER Immobilization for 6-weeks postoperative

Study Locations (1)