The usefulness of thumb splinting for people with thumb base osteoarthritis - OTTER II

Disease - Osteoarthritis

Lead applicant - Professor Joanna Adams

Organisation - University of Southampton

Type of grant - Clinical Studies

Status of grant - Active

Amount of the original award - £417,313.39

Start date - 1 March 2016

Reference - 21019

Public Summary

What are the aims of this research?

The aim of this study is to investigate the benefit of thumb splints for people with thumb base osteoarthritis.

Why is this research important?

Over four million people in the UK have thumb base osteoarthritis. Splinting is a routine NHS treatment for people with thumb base osteoarthritis. The effectiveness of different types of splints and the extent to which movement should be limited by splints is still unknown.

The researchers will compare how the use of a thumb splint impacts the effectiveness of therapist led self-management as a treatment for thumb base osteoarthritis. This research will also analyse which components of the splinting intervention is the most effective for patients and whether certain people respond better to different interventions.

How will the findings benefit patients?

The findings from the study will inform best NHS care for people with thumb base osteoarthritis. Information on the most effective thumb splint design, which works alongside a therapist led self-management intervention, will be made freely available. This may also inform rehabilitation approaches for other osteoarthritis joints. Listening to patients’ experience of their treatment will also contribute to a better understanding of effective NHS treatment.