The purpose of this study was to elucidate expert opinion on the conservative treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA).
A 21-item survey to determine the practice patterns of Italian hand therapists who treat arthritis of the CMC joint was developed and distributed through a professional online survey service to assure confidentiality and anonymity.
Of the respondents, 80.8% were physical therapists; the remaining 19.2% were occupational therapists. 84.6% of the specialists who make decisions regarding patient pain management education.
There is variability in the knowledge and practice patterns of Italian hand therapists relating to conservative management of thumb CMC OA.