Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the Push Ortho Thumb Brace
CMC and a custom-made orthosis in the treatment of patients with
primary osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb.
Our outcome measures were pain scores, tests of hand function, patient
satisfaction and patient preference. Patients and Methods. A multicentre crossover randomised controlled trial was conducted
which included 63 patients (44 women) with primary osteoarthritis
of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Of these, 59 patients
with a mean age of 60.1 years (standard deviation 8.2), completed
the study. Patients used both orthoses for two weeks with a two-week washout
period in-between. Pain was measured on a 10-cm visual analogue
scale. Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function
test, Nine Hole Peg Test, key grip, pinch grip and Functional Index
for Hand Osteoarthritis. Patient preference was assessed using the
Dutch version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with
Assistive
The osteoinductive properties of demineralised
bone matrix have been demonstrated in animal studies. However, its therapeutic
efficacy has yet to be proven in humans. The clinical properties
of AlloMatrix, an injectable calcium-based demineralised bone matrix
allograft, were studied in a prospective randomised study of 50
patients with an isolated unstable distal radial fracture treated
by reduction and Kirschner (K-) wire fixation. A total of 24 patients
were randomised to the graft group (13 men and 11 women, mean age
42.3 years (20 to 62)) and 26 to the no graft group (8 men and 18
women, mean age 45.0 years (17 to 69)). At one, three, six and nine weeks, and six and 12 months post-operatively,
patients underwent radiological evaluation, assessments for range
of movement, grip and pinch strength, and also completed the Disabilities
of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. At one and six weeks and
one year post-operatively, bone mineral density evaluations of both
wrists were performed. No significant difference in wrist function and speed of recovery,
rate of union, complications or bone mineral density was found between
the two groups. The operating time was significantly higher in the
graft group (p = 0.004). Radiologically, the reduction parameters
remained similar in the two groups and all AlloMatrix extraosseous leakages
disappeared after nine weeks. This prospective randomised controlled trial did not demonstrate
a beneficial effect of AlloMatrix demineralised bone matrix in the
treatment of this category of distal radial fractures treated by
K-wire fixation. Cite this article:
In Canada, Dupuytren's contracture is managed
with partial fasciectomy or percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA).
Injectable collagenase will soon be available. The optimal management
of Dupuytren’s contracture is controversial and trade-offs exist
between the different methods. Using a cost-utility analysis approach,
our aim was to identify the most cost-effective form of treatment
for managing Dupuytren’s contracture it and the threshold at which
collagenase is cost-effective. We developed an expected-value decision
analysis model for Dupuytren’s contracture affecting a single finger,
comparing the cost-effectiveness of fasciectomy, aponeurotomy and collagenase
from a societal perspective. Cost-effectiveness, one-way sensitivity
and variability analyses were performed using standard thresholds
for cost effective treatment ($50 000 to $100 000/QALY gained).
Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy was the preferred strategy for
managing contractures affecting a single finger. The cost-effectiveness
of primary aponeurotomy improved when repeated to treat recurrence.
Fasciectomy was not cost-effective. Collagenase was cost-effective
relative to and preferred over aponeurotomy at $875 and $470 per
course of treatment, respectively. In summary, our model supports the trend towards non-surgical
interventions for managing Dupuytren’s contracture affecting a single
finger. Injectable collagenase will only be feasible in our publicly
funded healthcare system if it costs significantly less than current
United States pricing. Cite this article:
