Objectives: Trapeziometacarpal arthritis or rhizarthrosis is extremely frequent. Numerous treatments are available including drugs, physiotherapy, use of orthotic devices, surgery, etc. Few of these methods have been really evaluated. We propose a critical review of the literature on orthotic treatment in rhizarthrosis.
Materials and methods: Review of the results of hand splint used in rhizarthrosis from eight studies published over the last ten years.
Results: Resting hand splints offer lasting and significant pain relief with a satisfactory compliance. They should be applied early in treatment and evaluated with regular follow-up. The drop-out rate is about 10%. Working hand splints, either alone or associated with a resting splint are also efficient. These is no modification in either the force or the ranges of motion. The functional benefit is satisfactory if the follow-up allows some tolerance and thus an optimal compliance.
Conclusion: The major interest of the use of splinting is analgesia. The pain releif obtained with splint is similar when used alone or with a working hand splint. Working hand splint can improve hand function during vocational and avocational activities.