Basal thumb arthritis: Treatment strategies for managing pain

Evaluation of PROMIS Scores 6 Weeks after Conservative Management of Carpometacarpal Thumb Arthritis

“…10 A recent systematic review of intra-articular corticosteroid injection for management of trapeziometacarpal arthritis concluded that corticosteroid injections can lead to a reduction in pain and improved function in the first 1-3 months postinjection. [11][12][13][14] For instance, Heyworth et al conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing hylan, corticosteroid injection, and placebo for the treatment of basal joint arthritis. 15 For the steroid injection group, there was a significant decrease in pain as measured by the VAS scale between baseline and weeks 2 and 4, but an increase in weeks 4 and 12.…”

Doctor, why does my thumb hurt?

“…Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb is the most common type of arthritis, affecting the non-dominant hand first because of the biomechanics of power pinch. [19][20][21] Readers are directed to a recent article in AJGP for further information. 19 Thumb osteoarthritis is progressive: 1.…”

“…[19][20][21] Readers are directed to a recent article in AJGP for further information. 19 Thumb osteoarthritis is progressive: 1. Wear and tear results in attenuation of the basal thumb ligaments, particularly the oblique ligaments and the dorsal radial ligament.…”

“…Stage 2 is a loss of joint space with development of osteophytes. 19 Stage 3 includes sclerosis and osteophytes >2 mm, and Stage 4 adds wrist degeneration. 23 Current concepts in management X-ray findings do not necessarily correlate with pain and disability.…”

Editorial: Good bones

“…This issue of AJGP focuses on common orthopaedic conditions affecting the adult population. The breadth of the specialty is reflected in the topics covered, including basal thumb arthritis, 5 lateral epicondylitis, 6 non-radicular low back pain, 7 pre-operative optimisation for hip and knee arthroplasty, 8 conditions affecting the Achilles tendon 9 and bunions. 10 Orthopaedic surgery continues to evolve and advance as a specialty, constantly aiming to improve quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal pathology.…”