To evaluate the effectiveness of a functional thumb orthosis on the dominant hand of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere thumb.
Forty patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere deformity of the thumb were randomly distributed into two groups. The intervention group used the orthosis daily and the control group used the orthosis only during the evaluation. Participants were evaluated at baseline as well as after 45 and 90 days. Assessments were preformed using the O'Connor Dexterity Test, Jamar dynamometer, pinch gauge, goniometry and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. A visual analogue scale was used to assess thumb pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Patients in the intervention group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain. The thumb orthosis did not disrupt grip and pinch strength, function, Health Assessment Questionnaire score or dexterity in either group.
The use of thumb orthosis for type I and type II boutonniere deformities was effective in relieving pain.