Comparative Effectiveness of the Two Splints in Trigger Finger
Condition: Trigger Finger
MeSH terms: Trigger Finger Disorder
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      RME orthosis is recommended for the treatment of trigger finger. However, its efficacy has
      not been studied in trigger finger patients. Given the increasing popularity of this orthosis
      among clinicians, it is important to evaluate their effectiveness to provide evidence for its
      use in trigger finger. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a 6-week
      orthotic intervention in a randomly selected group of patients with trigger finger using
      MCP-blocking and RME orthoses.
    

Detailed description: 
      Generally, three types of orthoses are used in the treatment of trigger finger. Some authors
      used MCP blocking orthosis, while others used DIP or PIP blocking orthosis. Comparative
      studies are quite limited, as only one study comparing two orthotic designs found that the
      MCP blocking orthosis was more effective than the DIP blocking orthosis.The MCP blocking
      orthosis, which restricts the MCP joint to 10-15° of flexion, is commonly used in the
      conservative treatment of trigger finger.An RME orthosis could be an alternative orthotic
      treatment option for trigger finger because it holds the MCP in an extended position. The RME
      orthosis is thought to prevent flexion of the affected finger, thereby limiting tendon glide.
      This reduces the pressure on the A1 pulley, allowing the tendon to glide more smoothly,
      reducing the likelihood of triggering. Despite limiting motion,the orthosis still allows the
      patient to perform daily activities with the orthosis. Therefore, positioning the MCP joint
      in extension could provide additional benefits in trigger finger. The relative motion
      orthosis is a new orthotic design that positions the affected finger in 10-15 degrees of
      extension relative to the adjacent fingers.It also has several advantages, including small
      size, low-profile design, easy and inexpensive fabrication, and better patient compliance.
      The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a 6-week orthotic
      intervention for pain relief in a randomly selected group of patients with TF using the MCP
      blocking orthosis and the RME orthosis. The secondary objective was to determine the
      comparative effectiveness of the orthoses on function and satisfaction with the orthosis.
    

Intervention name(s): Pre-treatment; Post-treatment
Intervention type(s): Procedure; Procedure
Intervention description(s): The custom MCP blocking orthosis was made of a 1.6-mm-thick thermoplastic material that extends from the palm over the MCP joint and includes a ring around the proximal phalanx. It is designed to block the MCP joint in flexion of 10°-20° while allowing full range of motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.; The RME orthosis was fabricated from 3.2-mm-thick thermoplastic material with the affected finger positioned at an extension of approximately 10°-20° relative to the adjacent fingers.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MCP-blocking orthosis group or the RME orthosis group, using a simple random sampling method.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Trigger finger; relative motion splint; pain; function; satisfaction; static splint