Characterizing response to a dynamic stability modeled approach for thumb carpometacarpal joint pain: A retrospective study.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Introduction: Literature trends indicate that thumb dynamic stabilization may benefit clients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint pain and arthritis. There is minimal research investigating whether client characteristics predict responsiveness to hand therapy for thumb dynamic stabilization.

Current uses of botulinum toxin A as an adjunct to hand therapy interventions of hand conditions.

Study Design: Literature review.

Discussion: Botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin causing temporary muscle paralysis at the neuromuscular junction, has been used to treat multiple acquired conditions of the hand and upper extremity. Initially approved for use in treating blepharospasm and strabismus in the 1980s, indications have expanded to include spasticity associated with cerebrovascular accidents, vasospastic disorders, focal dystonias, and pain conditions.

Current practice patterns in conservative thumb CMC joint care: survey results.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey

Introduction: Best practice for conservative clinical care pathways is not well outlined in the literature for patients with thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) pain. This self-report survey investigated the current practice patterns of assessments and conservative interventions for the painful thumb CMCJ among hand therapists.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT).

The use of joint mobilization to improve clinical outcomes in hand therapy: a systematic review of the literature.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Introduction: Joint mobilizations are used as an intervention for improving range of motion, decreasing pain and ultimately improving function in patients with a wide variety of upper extremity diagnoses. However, there are only a limited number of studies describing this treatment for conditions affecting the elbow, wrist, and hand.

A simple distal radioulnar joint orthosis.

These authors describe an orthosis they have successfully used in their clinic to treat patients with distal radioulnar joint instability. In addition to describing how they fabricate the orthosis, these authors also describe how they determine if the patient needs volar or dorsal support, and how they then incorporate this support into the orthosis - Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum Editor.

Effects of a dynamic stability approach in conservative intervention of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb: a retrospective study.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Introduction: Conservative intervention of carpometacarpal joint (CMC) thumb pain, caused by osteoarthritis and ligament laxity, is frequently seen in hand therapy. Traditional intervention for pain and disability reduction includes orthoses, exercises, and joint protection education.