Extracorporeal Shock Waves Therapy (ESWT) vs Exercise in Thumb Osteoarthritis (SWEX-TO)
Thumb Osteoarthritis, Hand Injuries
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Thumb Osteoarthritis focused on measuring shock waves, exercise, conservative treatment, hand
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: arthrosis of the trapezoid-metacarpal with stage 1 or 2 of the Eaton-Littler radiographic classification and pain (recent radiograph within 6 months previously); clinical picture that has been occurring for at least 6 months; pain scored with VAS scale at least 4/10. Exclusion Criteria: rheumatoid arthritis or outcomes of trauma in the affected area, contra-indications to treatment with shock waves (neoplasia, pregnancy, thrombocytopenia, epilepsy, uncompensated heart disease or arrhythmia, pacemaker, local infections), corticosteroid infiltration or physical therapy in the previous 4 weeks.
Sites / Locations
- Angela Notarnicola
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
ESWT group
Exercise group
The therapy will be applied using a focused shock wave device ("Minilith", Storz, Swiss) at the pulley of the first extensor channel under ultrasound guidance. Shock wave therapy will be performed with the patient's hand in intermediate between pronation and supination and will be administered once a week, for 3 sessions. For each treatment session, 2000 pulses will be applied with an energy flux density of 0.09 mJ/mm2 (between 0.05 and 0.12 mJ/mm2) and a frequency of 4 pulses per second (4 Hz). Gel will be used between the probe and the skin during applications to ensure conductivity. No local anesthetic will be used. Patients in both groups will be instructed to use a brace during the day for 4 weeks following recruitment.
Patients will perform exercises for 4 weeks following recruitment. Patients in this group will be taught home exercises to improve the dynamic stability of the thumb metacarpal trapezius joint. The patient is instructed to perform a flexion of the trapeziometacarpal. If the individual is able to complete 10 repetitions with good technique, resistance will be added manually or with rubber bands. If this exercise is painful, they are asked to return to active movement only. Patients in both groups will be instructed to use a brace during the day for 4 weeks following recruitment.