Function Following Thumb MP Fusion and IP Fusion

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study is to determine function following simulated thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) and thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint fusion. The investigators want to determine the functional limitation created by MP and IP joint fusion. 20-30 volunteers will be fitted for custom molded orthoplast splints immobilizing either the MP or IP joint. The volunteers will then be taken through multiple tests including lateral pinch strength, tip pinch, grip strength, grooved pegboard test time, and Jebson Taylor test. Each patient will be tested without a splint, with their MP joint immobilized and with their IP joint immobilized. The results of this study can be used for patient education before surgery in order to help them make informed decisions as well as manage expectations. It can also serve as a decision aid in pinch restoration in the context of ulnar nerve palsy.

Official Title
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Function Following Thumb MP Fusion and IP Fusion

Conditions
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Osteoarthritis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Jebsen Taylor Hand function test
* Diagnostic Test: Pinch strength
* Diagnostic Test: Grooved pegboard test


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patient is a healthy volunteer Patient is willing and able to review and sign a study informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: Any subject who does not want to voluntarily participate.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Simulated Thumb Arthrodesis<br>Subjects will have their thumb immobilized in 2 prefabricated wrist splints to simulate 2 different fusion positions tested: one splint to simulate the MCP fusion and one to represent the IP fusion. Patients will complete hand function tests in each of the splints to evaluate hand function. | Diagnostic Test: Jebsen Taylor Hand function test<br>* consists of seven test items, which are felt to represent various hand activities. These test items include: writing a short sentence; turning over 365 inch cards; picking up small objects and placing in a container; stacking checkers; simulated eating; moving empty large cans; and moving weighted large cans.<br>Diagnostic Test: Pinch strength<br>* Measured in every splint position using a standard dynamometer<br>Diagnostic Test: Grooved pegboard test<br>* Time will be measured and compared between control, MP splint and IP splint<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Jebsen Taylor hand function test | This consists of seven test items, which are felt to represent various hand activities. Each activity will be timed. | 1 Month |