Trapeziometacarpal subluxation predisposes to incident trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (OA): the Framingham Study

Biomechanical determinants of rheumatoid arthritis severity and excess cardiovascular disease: common origins of two complex diseases

OBJECTIVES

The determinants of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) severity and excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) are incompletely understood. Biomechanical factors are known to influence RA severity. Articular stiffness correlates with arterial and skin stiffness. This study explored the hypothesis that constitutional stiffness is a common determinant of RA severity and excess CVD.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with anti-CCP antibody (ACPA) positive RA and 57 controls were enrolled noting age, sex, body mass index, alcohol and tobacco exposure, Shared Epitope status and in RA disease duration, disease activity, ACPA titre and radiographic damage. Severe RA was defined as radiographic progression >1.3 mSharp points/year or requiring biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Articular stiffness (Beighton Score and right 5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint stress-strain responses), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and skin extensibility (percent increase distance two dots with manual traction dorsum right hand) were assessed.

RESULTS

Right 5th MCP stiffness correlated with Beighton Score and with arterial and skin stiffness. High radiographic rate was associated with greater MCP articular (t test p 0.014), arterial (p 0.044) and, in RA <5 years duration, greater skin stiffness (p 0.002) with similar trends in subjects requiring bDMARDs. In RA, arterial stiffness correlated with age (ß p<0.005), articular (ß p<0.001) and skin stiffness (ß p 0.037) and inversely with alcohol consumption (p 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Articular, arterial and skin stiffness correlated with each other and with RA severity. As skin is not affected by RA, this association suggests that constitutional stiffness might be a common determinant of RA and CVD. Prospective studies of at-risk preclinical and early RA are required to determine if this relationship is causal.

TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12617000170325.

Efficacy and Safety of Different Trapezium Implants for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ) is the most common hand joint affected by osteoarthritis (OA), and trapezium implant arthroplasty is a potential treatment for recalcitrant OA. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of various trapezium implants as an interventional option for TMCJ OA. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies up to May 28, 2022. Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were adhered to, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO. The methodological quality was assessed by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools for observational studies and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Subgroup analyses were performed on different replacement implants; the analysis was done using Open Meta-Analyst software and P values <.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 123 studies comprising 5752 patients were included. Total joint replacement (TJR) implants demonstrate greater significant improvements in visual analogue scale pain scores postoperatively. Interposition with partial trapezial resection implants were associated with highest grip strength and highest reduction in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Revision rates were highest in TJR (12.3%) and lowest in interposition with partial trapezial resection (6.2%). Conclusion: Total joint replacement and interposition with partial trapezial resection implants improve pain score, grip strength, and DASH scores more than other implant options. Future studies should focus on high-quality randomized clinical trials comparing different implants to accumulate higher quality evidence and more reliable conclusions.

Do osteophytes alter thumb carpometacarpal Biomechanics? a preliminary in vitro study

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is prevalent and debilitating, marked by substantial loss of range of motion (ROM) and overall function. CMC OA is associated with osteophyte growth, but the impact of this growth on CMC ROM has not been systematically characterized. Our goal was to determine whether osteophytes decrease CMC ROM and, if so, whether these decreases are direction-dependent. A robotic musculoskeletal simulation system was used to manipulate 18 CMC specimens with a range of joint health following three test protocols: (1) Rotational ROM in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and 20 combined directions, (2) Internal/External Rotation (IR/ER), and (3) Translational ROM in volar, dorsal, radial, ulnar, and 4 combined directions. Osteophyte volume (OV) was computed in total and by volar, dorsal, radial, and ulnar quadrants, and correlations with ROM were computed by direction and in total. We found that an increase in overall trapezial OV was associated with a reduction in overall rotational ROM and IR/ER, but not with translational ROM. We found decreased extension was associated with increased ulnar, volar, and radial OV, and decreased abduction was associated with increased volar OV. Decreased internal rotation was associated with increased ulnar, volar, and radial OV. The proposed method and findings of this pilot study will lay the groundwork for a larger investigation into the relationship between pathological structure and function in the CMC joint.

Internal brace augmentation improves the biomechanical properties of trapeziometacarpal joint dorsoradial ligament repair

This study investigated whether dorsoradial ligament repair with internal brace augmentation provided more immediate stability in the trapeziometacarpal joint than dorsoradial ligament repair alone. Seven matched pairs of cadaveric hands were used. One specimen from each pair was assigned to the repair-only group and the other to the repair + internal brace augmentation group. Trapeziometacarpal joint range of motion and translation were quantified under different conditions for both groups: (1) intact, (2) transected dorsoradial ligament, and (3) repaired dorsoradial ligament or repaired dorsoradial ligament plus internal brace augmentation. Load-to-failure tests were performed after repair. Range of motion and translation were increased by dorsoradial ligament transection and were decreased by dorsoradial ligament repair; however, compared to the intact condition, the repair-only group demonstrated greater flexion/extension range, while the repair + internal brace group showed no significant difference in range of motion. Mean loads at 2- and 3-mm displacements were greater in the repair + internal brace group than in the repair-only group (18.0 ± 1.8 N vs. 10.8 ± 1.3 N for 2 mm displacement and 35.3 ± 3.7 N vs. 23.1 ± 2.9 N for 3 mm displacement, respectively). Internal brace augmentation improved the load-to-failure characteristics of dorsoradial ligament repair without compromising range of motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Patients with clinically diagnosed hand OA not fulfilling the ACR classification criteria are in an earlier disease phase and more often have thumb base OA

Objective

To investigate the performance of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for hand osteoarthritis.

Design

Longitudinal data up to four years from a cohort of consecutive patients with primary hand osteoarthritis diagnosed by their rheumatologist (Hostas study) were used to classify presence or absence of hand osteoarthritis according to the 1990 ACR criteria (traditional format: one major and 4 minor ACR criteria) (ACR⁺/ACR^-). Demographics, Australian/Canadian osteoarthritis hand index (AUSCAN) pain and function were obtained. Hand radiographs were scored according to Kellgren-Lawrence; radiographic osteoarthritis was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence ≥2 in ≥1 CMC1 joint or ≥2 DIP/PIP/MCP joints.

Results

Of 538 patients (mean age 61 years, 86.1% women) 485 (90.1%) fulfilled ACR criteria at baseline. Except for the minor criterion swelling of <3 MCP joints, all criteria differed between the groups. ACR^- patients were younger, with higher BMI, a shorter time since diagnosis, and less bony enlargements, joint deformities and radiographic osteoarthritis, except for radiographic CMC1 osteoarthritis which was seen more often in ACR^- patients. No difference in AUSCAN pain or function was seen between ACR^- versus ACR⁺ patients. After follow-up 37/53 (69.8%) converted to ACR⁺, 2/53 (3.8%) did not, and 14/53 (26.4%) were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

In clinical practice the majority of patients fulfill the ACR classification criteria, but those in an earlier disease phase, with less signs of hand osteoarthritis or with primarily thumb base osteoarthritis are less likely to fulfill them. New classification criteria also including earlier disease stages and with attention for hand osteoarthritis subtypes are required.

Radiological imaging of the trapeziometacarpal joint: a historical and clinical perspective

The opposable thumb provides both stability and mobility and is needed to accomplish different prehensile tasks. The trapezium is a complex bone, with a distal articular surface that is convex in the sagittal plane of the thumb and concave in the coronal plane of the thumb. The numerous additional articulations with the carpus and the oblique orientation to the main plane of the hand makes it difficult to evaluate the trapeziometacarpal joint using standard hand or wrist radiographic views. This review gives an overview of the different radiological views that have been described for the thumb with an emphasis on their historical origin and positioning during radiography. We also describe different measurements and classifications that can be obtained using different thumb radiographs.

The biomechanics of osteoarthritis in the hand: Implications and prospects for hand therapy

BACKGROUND

The unique anatomy of the human hand makes it possible to carefully manipulate tools, powerfully grasp objects, and even throw items with precision. These apparent contradictory functions of the hand, high mobility for manual dexterity vs high stability during forceful grasping, imply that daily activities impose a high strain on a relatively instable joint. This makes the hand susceptible to joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. Both systemic (eg, genetics, hormones) and mechanical factors (eg, joint loading) are important in the development of osteoarthritis, but the precise pathomechanism remains largely unknown. This paper focuses on the biomechanical factors in the disease process and how hand therapists can use this knowledge to improve treatment and research.

CONCLUSION

Multiple factors are involved in the onset and development of osteoarthritis in the hand. Comprehension of the biomechanics helps clinicians establish best practices for orthotics intervention, exercise, and joint protection programs even in de absence of clear evidence-based guidelines. The effect and reach of hand therapy for OA patients can be expanded substantially when intervention parameters are optimized and barriers to early referrals, access reimbursement, and adherence are addressed. Close and early collaboration between hand therapists and primary care, women's health, rheumatology, and hand surgery providers upon diagnosis, and with hand surgeons pre and postoperatively, combined with advances in the supporting science and strategies to enhance adherence, appear to be a promising way forward.

Management of Acute and Chronic Thumb CMC Joint Dislocations

Isolated dislocations of thumb CMC joints are rare injuries with serious functional implications. Patients suffering these injuries will have decreased pinch and grip strength. A high-energy, axially directed force on a flexed thumb typically causes dislocation. Chronically dislocated thumb CMC joints may be due to untreated remote trauma, hypermobility, or connective tissue disorders. Roberts and CMC stress view radiographs help identify joint dislocations. Treatment of these injuries includes closed reduction and immobilization, percutaneous pinning, open reduction with direct repair, and ligament reconstruction. Timely identification, timely treatment, and proper hand therapy often lead to adequate joint stability with minimal residual pain.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Progression of Radiographic and Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis: The Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To describe prevalence, incidence, and progression of radiographic and symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA), and evaluate age, sex, race and risk factors differences.

METHODS

We assessed both radiographic and symptomatic hand OA at baseline and year 4 for incident disease. A modified poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to account for clustering of joints within fingers within persons to estimate the prevalence ratios and relative risk estimates associated with participant characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 3588 participants, the prevalence hand OA was 41.4% for radiographic hand OA and 12.4 % for symptomatic hand OA. The incidence of hand OA over 48 months was 5.6 % for radiographic hand OA, and 16.9 % for symptomatic hand OA. Over 48 months, 27.3 % participants exhibited OA progression. We found complex differences by age, sex and race with both men and women having increasing prevalent hand OA with age, but women peaking at age 55-65, for incident disease. Women have more symptomatic hand OA than men but only non-significantly higher rates for incident radiographic hand OA. Women have more distal interphalangeal joint disease while men have more metacarpal joint OA. Black men and women have less hand OA than whites but black men have more hand OA than black women at younger ages.

CONCLUSION

Hand OA is a heterogeneous disease with complex differences by age, sex and race, hand symptoms and patterns of specific joints. Further research investigating the mechanisms behind these differences whether mechanical, metabolic, hormonal, or constitutional is warranted.

Investigating Molecular Signatures Underlying Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis Through the Evaluation of Systemic Cytokine Expression

Purpose

Non-operative management of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMOA) demonstrates only short-term symptomatic alleviation, and no approved disease modifying drugs exist to treat this condition. A key issue in these patients is that radiographic disease severity can be discordant with patient reported pain, illustrating the need to identify molecular mediators of disease. This study characterizes the biochemical profile of TMOA patients to elucidate molecular mechanisms driving TMOA progression.

Methods

Plasma from patients with symptomatic TMOA undergoing surgical (n=39) or non-surgical management (n=44) with 1-year post-surgical follow-up were compared using a targeted panel of 27 cytokines. Radiographic (Eaton-Littler), anthropometric, longitudinal pain (VAS, TASD, quick DASH) and functional (key pinch, grip strength) data were used to evaluate relationships between structure, pain, and systemic cytokine expression. Principal Component Analysis was used to identify clusters of patients.

Results

Patients undergoing surgery had greater BMI as well as higher baseline quick DASH, TASD scores. Systemically, these patients could only be distinguished by differing levels of Interleukin-7 (IL-7), with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.22 for surgery for those with increased levels of this cytokine. Interestingly, PCA analysis of all patients (regardless of surgical status) identified a subset of patients with an “inflammatory” phenotype, as defined by a unique molecular signature consisting of thirteen cytokines.

Conclusion

Overall, this study demonstrated that circulating cytokines are capable of distinguishing TMOA disease severity, and identified IL-7 as a target capable of differentiating disease severity with higher levels associated with a decreased likelihood of TMOA needing surgical intervention. It also identified a cluster of patients who segregate based on a molecular signature of select cytokines.

Optimal Position of the Suture Button Suspensionplasty (TightRope) for Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis

Background: Surgical treatment of basal joint arthritis commonly consists of trapeziectomy followed by various suspensionplasty techniques to provide stability to the thumb ray. Our study goal was to assess the motion and stability of the thumb ray after trapeziectomy and placement of a suture button (Mini TightRope®, Arthrex, Naples, Florida) in a high- or low-angle trajectory. We hypothesized that a low-angle trajectory would yield the greatest stability while providing maximal motion of the thumb. Methods: Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver arms were imaged fluoroscopically in anterior-posterior and lateral views before and after trapeziectomy, and after placement of low- and high-angle suture buttons. The intermetacarpal angle between the thumb and index metacarpals was measured after application of a standard force. Radial abduction, opposition, subsidence, palmar abduction, adduction, and subsidence were measured. Results: Compared to posttrapeziectomy constructs, low- and high-angle TightRope constructs demonstrated less subsidence, low-angle TightRopes had less palmar abduction, and high-angle TightRope constructs had less radial abduction and adduction. High-angle TightRopes allowed more palmar abduction than low-angle constructs. The high-angle TightRopes trended toward more subsidence than low-angle constructs, although it was not significant. Conclusions: Both TightRope constructs provided improved axial stability after trapeziectomy while not excessively limiting any one motion of the thumb. Compared to the high-angle trajectory, the low-angle TightRope placement provided a more stable construct with respect to subsidence and angular motion. Given the concern for excessive motion of the first metacarpal base with the high-angle construct, we recommend a low-angle trajectory TightRope placement.

Pain, function, and radiographic disease in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (OA) produces significant functional impairment due to pain and loss of strength in both power and precision grips, but few studies have related radiographic scores to functional and pain-based measures.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between markers of radiographic disease and outcomes for symptomatic and functional disease.

STUDY DESIGN

This study in an exploratory analysis of baseline data from the first 100 participants in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of combined conservative therapies for base of thumb OA (COMBO).

METHODS

Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain were recorded for the index hand. Bilateral isometric grip and tip-pinch strength measurements were taken, as well as posteroanterior and Eaton stress-view hand radiographs. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs), univariate, and multivariate analyses were used according to whether the data were bilateral or unilateral.

RESULTS

A total of 79 females and 21 males were included, with a median Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade of 3 in the index hand. Higher KL and Eaton grades were associated with lower grip strength in the GEE analysis (B-coefficients of -1.25 and -1.16, and P-values of .002 and .010, respectively). Higher KL grade was also associated with poorer function and higher pain levels in the multivariable analysis (B-coefficients of 1.029 and 3.681, and P-values of .021 and .047, respectively). Lower radial subluxation ratios were associated with lower grip strength in the GEE analysis, and higher pain scores in the multivariable analysis (B-coefficients of 2.06 and -42.1, and P-values of .006 and .031, respectively). Greater pain scores were also associated with poorer function (B-coefficient 0.082, P-value .001).

CONCLUSION

More advanced radiographic trapeziometacarpal OA severity is associated with lower grip strength and poorer self-reported functional outcomes. Lower subluxation ratios were associated with higher pain scores and lower grip strength.

Ligamentous constraint of the first carpometacarpal joint

To examine the role of the ligaments in maintaining stability of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, a sequential ligament sectioning study of sixteen specimens was performed. While a small compressive force was maintained, loads were applied to displace each specimen in four directions - volar, dorsal, radial, and ulnar. Translations of the specimen in both dorsal-volar and radial-ulnar axes were measured. Initially, the tests were conducted with the specimen intact. These tests were then repeated following sectioning of the CMC anterior oblique ligament (AOL), ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), intermetacarpal ligament (IML) and dorsal radial ligament (DRL). The first CMC joint translation was increased in the absence of IML and DRL (p < 0.05). Both IML and DRL were important in constraining the first CMC joint translation against external applied loads. Potential applications of these findings include the treatment of joint hypermobility and the reduction or delay of onset or progression of first CMC joint osteoarthritis.

Greater efficacy of a combination of conservative therapies for thumb base OA in individuals with lower radial subluxation - a pre-planned subgroup analysis of the COMBO trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate heterogeneous effects of a combination of conservative therapies compared with an education comparator for thumb base (TB) osteoarthritis (OA) according to clinically relevant characteristics.

METHODS

Pre-planned subgroup analysis of the COMBO trial (n = 204) which compared a combination of education on self-management and ergonomic principles, a prefabricated neoprene splint, hand exercises, and diclofenac sodium gel, with education alone for radiographic and symptomatic TB OA. Primary outcomes were change in pain (visual analogue scale [VAS], 0-100 mm) and hand function (Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis questionnaire, 0-30) from baseline to week-6. Other outcomes were grip and tip-pinch strength and patient's global assessment (PGA) (VAS, 0-100 mm). Possible treatment effect modifiers were the presence of interphalangeal joint pain, erosive hand OA, radiographic thumb carpometacarpal joint subluxation (higher vs equal or lower than the sample mean), and baseline radiographic OA severity (Kellgren Lawrence grade). Linear regression models were fitted, adding interaction terms for each subgroup of interest.

RESULTS

The treatment effects of the combined intervention at 6 weeks were greater in participants with lower joint subluxation compared with those with greater subluxation (pain -11.6 [95%CI -22.2, -9.9] and 2.6 [-5.5, 10.7], respectively, difference between the subluxation groups 14.2 units (95% CI 2.3, 26.1), p-value 0.02; and PGA -14.0 [-22.4, -5.5] and 1.5 [-6.2, 9.3), respectively, difference between the subluxation groups 15.5 units (95% CI 4.2, 26.8), p-value 0.03). There was no statistically significant heterogeneity for the other subgroups.

CONCLUSION

A combination of conservative therapies may provide greater benefits over 6 weeks in individuals with lower joint subluxation, although the clinical relevance is uncertain given the wide confidence intervals. Treatment strategies may need to be customized for those with greater joint subluxation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN 12616000353493.

Metabolic Syndrome and Osteoarthritis Distribution in the Hand Joints: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis From the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the metabolic syndrome (MetS) association with radiographic and symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (HOA).

METHODS

Using 1:2 propensity score matching for relevant confounders, we included 2509 participants (896 MetS positive and 1613 MetS negative) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative dataset. MetS and its components, according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria, were extracted from baseline data, and included hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. We scored distinct hand joints based on the modified Kellgren-Lawrence (mKL) grade of baseline radiographs, with HOA defined as mKL ≥ 2. In the cross-sectional analysis, we investigated the association between MetS and its components with radiographic HOA and the presence of nodal and erosive HOA phenotypes using regression models. In the longitudinal analysis, we performed Cox regression analysis for hand pain incidence in follow-up visits.

RESULTS

MetS was associated with higher odds of radiographic HOA, including the number of joints with OA (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08-1.62), the sum of joints mKLs (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.24-4.71), mainly in distal interphalangeal joints (DIPs) and proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPs; OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.08-2.14 and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09-1.75, respectively), but not metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and first carpometacarpal (CMC1) joints. Hand pain incidence during follow-up was higher with MetS presence (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.47). The erosive HOA phenotype and joints' nodal involvement were more frequent with MetS (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.97 and OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02-1.60, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MetS, a potentially modifiable risk factor, is associated with radiographic DIP and PIP OA and longitudinal hand pain incidence while sparing MCPs and CMC1s. Nodal and erosive HOA phenotypes are associated with MetS, suggestive of possible distinct pathophysiology.

The prevalence of radiographic thumb base osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions of people worldwide. In hand OA, the thumb base is the most affected single joint. The reported radiographic prevalence ranges from 0 to 100%, making the true radiographic prevalence unclear. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis on the age and sex-specific prevalence of radiographic thumb base OA.

METHODS

We performed a search in Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Trials, and Google Scholar. We included studies of the general population that reported thumb base OA for males and females separately based on a hand radiograph and reported the age of these groups. Using meta-regression, we estimated the odds ratio (OR) of having radiographic thumb base OA for age and sex, while adjusting for within-study correlation.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 4,278 articles; we finally included 16 studies that reported the age- and sex-stratified prevalence. Taken together, there were 104 age and gender specific-prevalence rates that could be derived from the 16 studies. The prevalence of radiographic OA for the 50-year-old male and female participants was 5.8% and 7.3%, respectively, while the respective prevalence for 80-year-old male and female participants was 33.1% and 39.0%. We found an OR for having radiographic OA of 1.06 (95%CI [1.055-1.065], p < 0.001) per increasing year of age, and 1.30 (95%CI: 1.05-1.61], p = 0.014) for females.

CONCLUSION

In the general population, radiographic thumb base OA is more prevalent in females and is strongly associated with age.

Clinical evaluation of thumb base osteoarthritis: A scoping review

Introduction

Thumb base osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent hand OA phenotype, associated with specific risk factors, treatment strategies, and requiring a distinct subset of evaluative approaches. This paper aimed at surveying our clinical evaluative methods and identifying gaps in our ability to capture the thumb's unique attributes and how they could impact our treatment recommendations.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology to gather relevant published and non-published articles regarding clinical tests currently available to assess the physical presentation of thumb base OA with special consideration of its specific multifactorial parameters namely architecture, ligaments, biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and proprioception. A full search strategy of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials.gov from their inception through May 2020 was performed.

Results

Of 1936 citation identified, 54 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-two clinical physical tests for the evaluation of thumb base OA were extracted, most of which well suited to address research questions regarding efficacy of clinical intervention, however providing limited information regarding the underlying impairments of ligaments, biomechanics, neuromuscular or proprioceptive components.

Conclusions

The tests and measures specific to the basal thumb OA phenotype, and capable of isolating its multifactorial contributors are scarce. Our limited physical assessment repertoire impedes our ability to describe and answer explicative research questions. Without these we cannot evaluate the effect of conservative management and provide specific treatment recommendations. Further research is needed to develop and validate distinct clinical tools for this debilitating pathology.

Anatomic Reconstruction of the Anterior Oblique and the Dorsoradial Ligaments for Painful Subluxating Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb

Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) is a common pathology of the hand that is characterized by pain, loss of grip and pinch strength, and deformity. Although conservative management is often preferred in earlier stage of CMC OA, surgical techniques can be used when symptoms are not fully relieved, especially with subluxation. We report a case series of 26 patients (32 operations) with Eaton stage I and II CMC OA who underwent a novel surgical technique that anatomically restores the CMC joint with autologous double ligament reconstruction. All cases were retrospectively reviewed as a prospective study and performed at a single regional health system from 2012 to 2016. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs, grip and pinch strength measurements, and DASH scores were collected to evaluate the outcomes. The mean CMC subluxation ratio decreased from 0.59±0.14 to 0.35±0.21 (P<0.0001). The mean grip strength increased from 44.34±17.36 pounds to 52.97±18.92 pounds (P=0.017), and the mean pinch strength increased from 10.16±4.59 pounds to 12.75±4.52 pounds (P=0.00027). The mean DASH scores decreased from 42.32±14.99 to 19.94±14.47 (P<0.0001). The average follow-up period was 39.44±14.94 months. Three patients had postoperative thumb stiffness that resolved with physical therapy. One patient had postoperative pain, attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome. One surgery required revision. All other patients (84.38%) reported significant improvement in pain and the ability to return to previous levels of work. This surgical technique is therefore a feasible option for patients with Eaton stage I or II CMC OA, and should be recommended for wider surgical use.

First Carpometacarpal Joint Instability: Dorsal Ligament Reconstruction

The first carpometacarpal (CMC-I) joint has an elaborate ligamentous support. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the dorsal ligament group is imperative for joint stability and that CMC-I joint instability may occur as a consequence of trauma and ligamentous laxity, and other conditions, with possible CMC-I subluxation and the development of osteoarthritis. Although various surgical techniques have been introduced for the treatment of ligamentous CMC-I instability, the Eaton-Littler reconstruction has been regarded as the gold standard. It is widely accepted that impaired hand function may still be present following the reconstruction of the CMC-I joint ligaments, demonstrating the existing limitations of current surgical techniques. In this paper, a novel extra-articular technique relating to CMC-I joint instability and focusing on the dorsal ligament group is described. A graft taken from the abductor pollicis longus tendon is utilized to reconstruct the dorsal radial ligament and posterior oblique ligament. This technique may provide a less invasive alternative than the gold standard procedure and the hypothesis is that it will lead to a better outcome.

Arthroscopic ligamentoplasty for osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joints: Clinical and radiological outcomes with a minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

We reported a new technique for arthroscopic ligamentoplasty for the thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) along with a minimum of 2 years of results.

METHODS

Twenty-nine thumbs with CMC-OA in stages II and III according to the Eaton and Glickel classification, were treated by arthroscopic ligamentoplasty. The procedure included partial trapeziectomy followed by ligamentoplasty similar to the Thompson technique. We evaluated pain VAS; DASH; grip and pinch strength; thumb abduction range of motion, and radiographic examination preoperatively and every 3 months until 1 year after surgery, and every 6 months thereafter. The mean duration of the follow-up was 3.2 years with a range of 2.0-6.0 years.

RESULTS

Pain, VAS, and DASH were significantly improved at 3 months after surgery than those preoperatively. Further, the strength of grip, tip, and key pinch significantly increased at 9, 9, and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Additionally, these improvements were maintained until the final follow-up. The range of motion tended to decrease in both palmar and radial abduction, although the differences were not significant. Radiographic examination after surgery showed that the ratio of trapezial space was significantly reduced because of surgical excision of the trapezium. However, there were no significant differences in the results between each follow-up time and the final follow-up. Moreover, the ratio of subluxation on the plain X-ray was significantly improved and maintained until the final follow-up. The parameters of clinical and radiographic outcomes, except motion, were significantly improved, even in patients with including those in stage III and with greater than 1/3 subluxation of the 1st metacarpal base on plain radiography.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic ligamentoplasty was effective for pain relief and improvement of grip and pinch strength for the patients with symptomatic CMC-OA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study/Level IV.

Cartilage wear patterns in severe osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint: a quantitative analysis

OBJECTIVE

The present quantitative study aimed to assess the three-dimensional (3-D) cartilage wear patterns of the first metacarpal and trapezium in the advanced stage of osteoarthritis (OA) and compare cartilage measurements with radiographic severity.

DESIGN

Using 19 cadaveric trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joints, 3-D cartilage surface models of the first metacarpal and trapezium were created with a laser scanner, and 3-D bone surface model counterparts were similarly created after dissolving the cartilage. These two models were superimposed, and the interval distance on the articular surface as the cartilage thickness was measured. All measurements were obtained in categorized anatomic regions on the articular surface of the respective bone, and we analyzed the 3-D wear patterns on the entire cartilage surface. Furthermore, we compared measurements of cartilage thickness with radiographic OA severity according to the Eaton grading system using Pearson correlation coefficients (r).

RESULTS

In the first metacarpal, the cartilage thickness declined volarly (the mean cartilage thickness of the volar region was 0.32 ± 0.16 mm, whereas that of the dorsal region was 0.53 ± 0.18 mm). Conversely, the cartilage evenly degenerated throughout the articular surface of the trapezium. Measurements of the categorized regions where cartilage thinning was remarkable exhibited statistical correlations with radiographic staging (r = -0.48 to -0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that cartilage wear patterns differ between the first metacarpal and trapezium in the late stage of OA. There is a need for further studies on cartilage degeneration leading to symptomatic OA in the TMC joint.

Automatic segmentation of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint using parametric statistical shape modelling and random forest regression voting

We propose an automatic pipeline for creating shape modelling suitable parametric meshes of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint from clinical CT images for the purpose of batch processing and analysis. The method uses 3D random forest regression voting (RFRV) with statistical shape model (SSM) segmentation. The method was demonstrated in a validation experiment involving 65 CT images, 15 of which were randomly selected to be excluded from the training set for testing. With mean root mean squared (RMS) errors of 1.066 mm and 0.632 mm for the first metacarpal and trapezial bones respectively, and a segmentation time of ~2 minutes per CT image, the preliminary results showed promise for providing accurate 3D meshes of TMC joint bones for batch processing.

Non-pharmacological treatment gap preceding surgical consultation in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis - a cross-sectional study

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) in the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) is a prevalent disease which may lead to structural damage, severe pain and functional limitations. Evidence-based treatment recommendations state that all patients with hand OA should be offered non-pharmacological treatment. Surgery should be considered only when other treatment has proven insufficient in relieving pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate prior treatment and characteristics of patients referred to specialist health care surgical consultation due to CMCJ OA. The study includes exploring differences in pain and function between referred and non-referred hand, between men and women, and between patients with and without OA affection of other finger joints than CMCJ.

Methods

Patients in this cross-sectional study reported prior non-pharmacological treatment for CMCJ OA. Patient demographics, disease and functional variables were assessed based on hand radiographs, patient-reported and observer-based outcome measures. Differences in pain and function between referred and non-referred hand, men and women, and between patients with and without additional affection of finger joints other than CMCJ, were analysed using Paired-samples T-tests, Wilcoxon Signed Rank, or Chi-Square tests.

Results

One hundred and eighty patients were included. The mean age was 63 years and 79% were women. Only 21% reported having received non-pharmacological treatment before referral to surgical consultation. The results show a statistically significant worse function for referred hands, women and involvement of additional interphalangeal joints. Most patients reported no pain or mild pain in their referred hand.

Conclusions

The results of this study show a non-pharmacological treatment gap in OA care. Most patients report no pain or mild pain, and that they had not received non-pharmacological treatment prior to being referred to CMCJ OA surgical consultation. The results furthermore show that CMCJ OA negatively affects all aspects of function. Strategies need to be developed to improve OA care, including educating general practitioners in evidence-based treatment recommendations and in the assessment of hand pain, and encourage the routine referral of patients with symptomatic hand OA to occupational therapy before considering surgery.

Assessment of osteoarthritic features in the thumb base with the newly developed OMERACT magnetic resonance imaging scoring system is a valid addition to standard radiography

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the construct validity of the new thumb base OA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system (TOMS) by comparing TOMS scores with radiographic scores in patients with primary hand OA.

DESIGN

In 200 patients (83.5% women, mean (SD) age 61.0 (8.4) years), postero-anterior radiographs and MR scans (1.5 T) of the right first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joints, were scored using the OARSI atlas and TOMS, respectively. The distributions of the TOMS scores (specified in results section) were stratified for the OARSI scores of corresponding radiographic features and investigated using boxplots and non-parametric tests. Furthermore, Spearman's rank or Phi correlation coefficients (ρ/φ) were calculated.

RESULTS

For all features, especially for erosions and osteophytes, the prevalence found with MRI was higher than with radiography. TOMS osteophyte and cartilage loss scores differed statistically significant between corresponding OARSI scores in CMC-1 (0 vs 1; 1 vs 2). TOMS scores were positively correlated with radiographic scores in CMC-1 for osteophytes (coefficient [95% confidence interval], ρ = 0.75 [0.69; 0.81]), cartilage loss/joint space narrowing (ρ = 0.70 [0.62; 0.76]), subchondral bone defects (SBDs)/erosion-cyst (ρ = 0.41 [0.29; 0.52]), bone marrow lesions (BMLs)/subchondral sclerosis (ρ = 0.65 [0.56; 0.73]) and subluxation (φ = 0.65 [0.57; 0.73]); and in STT for osteophytes (ρ = 0.30 [0.17; 0.42]) and cartilage loss/joint space narrowing (ρ = 0.53 [0.42; 0.62]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with hand OA, TOMS scores positively correlated with radiographic scores, indicating good construct validity. However, the prevalence of features on MR images was higher compared to radiographs, suggesting that TOMS might be more sensitive than radiography. The clinical meaning of these extra MR detected cases is currently still unknown.

Radial subluxation in relation to hand strength and radiographic severity in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Greater joint laxity and radial subluxation of the thumb metacarpal base have been shown to be risk factors for the development of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in an asymptomatic and radiographically normal joint. Despite this, it is unknown whether joint laxity changes with disease progression from mild to severe osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between joint laxity and osteoarthritis severity, using the trapeziometacarpal subluxation ratio as an indicator of joint laxity.

METHOD

Baseline data were used from the first 100 participants included in the COMBO (Efficacy of combined conservative therapies on clinical outcomes in base of thumb OA) trial. All participants had bilateral posteroanterior (PA) and Eaton stress view hand radiographs, as well as grip and tip-pinch strength measurements. The PA view was used to assess Kellgren-Lawrence and Eaton grades, and the Eaton stress view was used to assess the trapeziometacarpal joint subluxation ratios. Generalised estimating equations were utilized to account for the fact that hand data are paired, and within-person measurements are therefore not independent.

RESULTS

Lower radial subluxation ratios were associated with higher Kellgren-Lawrence grades (B-coefficient -0.302; p-value 0.027), and lower grip strength scores (B-coefficient 2.06; p-value 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Radial subluxation ratios decreased with increasing disease severity, contrary to the progression from a normal joint to one with mild osteoarthritis, wherein higher joint laxity is a risk factor for disease. This may be explained by the mechanical stabilization provided by osteophytes and capsular changes in worsening osteoarthritis, as has been shown to be the case in the knee.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN 12616000353493.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Thumb base osteoarthritis: A hand osteoarthritis subset requiring a distinct approach

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is usually a polyarticular disease, preferentially affecting the thumb base (TB) and interphalangeal joints. TB OA alone is generally not addressed separately, but as a part of hand OA. Studies have shown that OA in the TB joints clusters together, as does OA in the interphalangeal joints, supporting it as a distinct subset. Further support for this view comes from a specific risk profile, influence on clinical burden, impact of synovial inflammation on local joint pain, and specific treatment interventions. Therefore, clinical care and future hand OA research should not only address hand OA in general but also should focus on the different subsets separately, including TB OA.

In thumb base osteoarthritis structural damage is more strongly associated with pain than synovitis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis in thumb base joints (first carpometacarpal (CMC-1), scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT)) is prevalent and disabling, yet focussed studies are scarce. Our aim was to investigate associations between ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inflammatory features, radiographic osteophytes, and thumb base pain in hand osteoarthritis patients.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analyses were performed in cohorts with MRI (n = 202) and ultrasound measurements (n = 87). Pain upon thumb base palpation was assessed. Radiographs were scored for CMC-1/STT osteophytes. Synovial thickening, effusion and power Doppler signal in CMC-1 joints were assessed with ultrasound. MRIs were scored for synovitis and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in CMC-1 and STT joints using OMERACT-TOMS. Associations between ultrasound/MRI features, osteophytes, and thumb base pain were assessed. Interaction between MRI features and osteophytes was explored.

RESULTS

In 289 patients (mean age 60.2, 83% women) 139/376 thumb bases were painful. Osteophyte presence was associated with pain (MRI cohort: odds ratio (OR) 5.1 (2.7-9.8)). Ultrasound features were present in 25-33% of CMC-1 joints, though no associations were seen with pain. MRI-synovitis and BMLs grade ≥2 were scored in 25% and 43% of thumb bases, and positively associated with pain (OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.7-7.6) and 3.0 (1.6-5.5)). Associations attenuated after adjustment for osteophyte presence. Combined presence of osteophytes and MRI-synovitis had an additive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonographic and MRI inflammatory features were often present in the thumb base. Osteophytes were more strongly associated with thumb base pain than inflammatory features, in contrast to findings in finger OA studies, supporting thumb base osteoarthritis as a distinct phenotype.

Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Radiographic Hand Osteoarthritis: Data From a Community-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with hand osteoarthritis (OA) using longitudinal data from the Framingham Study.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional analyses included 1,089 persons (ages 50-75 years), of whom 785 had longitudinal radiographs obtained 7 years apart. Of these, 586 with no hand OA at baseline were included in analyses of hand OA incidence. We explored associations between metabolic syndrome and its components (central obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, triglyceridemia, and low high-density lipoprotein) and radiographic hand OA (defined as ≥2 interphalangeal joints with a Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grade of ≥2) using logistic regression analyses with adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. In longitudinal analyses, metabolic syndrome was used as a predictor for change in K/L sum score and incident hand OA.

RESULTS

Metabolic syndrome was not associated with the presence of hand OA (odds ratio [OR] 1.11 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.78-1.59]), change in K/L sum score (OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.59-1.17]), or incidence of hand OA (OR 0.91 [95% CI 0.58-1.44]). Hypertension was borderline significantly associated with the presence of hand OA (OR 1.25 [95% CI 0.90-1.74]), and a significant association was found between hypertension and change in K/L sum score (OR 1.47 [95% CI 1.08-1.99]). Consistent dose-response relationships were not demonstrated (data not shown). Furthermore, hypertension was not significantly associated with hand OA incidence (OR 1.23 [95% CI 0.82-1.83]). No significant associations were found between metabolic syndrome and erosive hand OA.

CONCLUSION

We found no association between metabolic syndrome and hand OA. The role of hypertension in hand OA pathogenesis warrants further investigation.

WRIST: A WRist Image Segmentation Toolkit for carpal bone delineation from MRI

Segmentation of the carpal bones from 3D imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is commonly performed for in vivo analysis of wrist morphology, kinematics, and biomechanics. This crucial task is typically carried out manually and is labor intensive, time consuming, subject to high inter- and intra-observer variability, and may result in topologically incorrect surfaces. We present a method, WRist Image Segmentation Toolkit (WRIST), for 3D semi-automated, rapid segmentation of the carpal bones of the wrist from MRI. In our method, the boundary of the bones were iteratively found using prior known anatomical constraints and a shape-detection level set. The parameters of the method were optimized using a training dataset of 48 manually segmented carpal bones and evaluated on 112 carpal bones which included both healthy participants without known wrist conditions and participants with thumb basilar osteoarthritis (OA). Manual segmentation by two expert human observers was considered as a reference. On the healthy subject dataset we obtained a Dice overlap of 93.0 ± 3.8, Jaccard Index of 87.3 ± 6.2, and a Hausdorff distance of 2.7 ± 3.4 mm, while on the OA dataset we obtained a Dice overlap of 90.7 ± 8.6, Jaccard Index of 83.0 ± 10.6, and a Hausdorff distance of 4.0 ± 4.4 mm. The short computational time of 20.8 s per bone (or 5.1 s per bone in the parallelized version) and the high agreement with the expert observers gives WRIST the potential to be utilized in musculoskeletal research.

Guidelines for the conduct of pharmacological clinical trials in hand osteoarthritis: Consensus of a Working Group of the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO)

OBJECTIVES

To gather expert opinion on the conduct of clinical trials that will facilitate regulatory review and approval of appropriate efficacious pharmacological treatments for hand osteoarthritis (OA), an area of high unmet clinical need.

METHODS

The European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal diseases (ESCEO) organized a working group under the auspices of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

RESULTS

This consensus guideline is intended to provide a reference tool for practice, and should allow for better standardization of the conduct of clinical trials in hand OA. Hand OA is a heterogeneous disease affecting different, and often multiple, joints of the thumb and fingers. It was recognized that the various phenotypes and limitations of diagnostic criteria may make the results of hand OA trials difficult to interpret. Nonetheless, practical recommendations for the conduct of clinical trials of both symptom and structure modifying drugs are outlined in this consensus statement, including guidance on study design, execution, and analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

While the working group acknowledges that the methodology for performing clinical trials in hand OA will evolve as knowledge of the disease increases, it is hoped that this guidance will support the development of new pharmacological treatments targeting hand OA.

The Prevalence, Incidence, and Progression of Hand Osteoarthritis in Relation to Body Mass Index, Smoking, and Alcohol Consumption

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the extent that overweight/obesity, smoking, and alcohol are associated with prevalence and longitudinal changes of radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n = 1232) were included, of whom 994 had 4-year followup data. In analyses on incident hand OA, only persons without hand OA at baseline were included (n = 406). Our exposure variables were overweight/obesity [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference], smoking (current/former, smoking pack-yrs), and alcohol consumption (drinks/week). Using linear and logistic regression analyses, we analyzed possible associations between baseline exposure variables and radiographic hand OA severity, erosive hand OA, incidence of hand OA, and radiographic changes. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and education.

RESULTS

Neither overweight nor obesity were associated with hand OA. Current smoking was associated with less hand OA in cross-sectional analyses, whereas longitudinal analyses suggested higher odds of incident hand OA in current smokers (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.02-4.77). Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with higher Kellgren-Lawrence sum score at baseline (1-3 drinks: 1.55, 95% CI 0.43-2.67) and increasing sum score during 4-year followup (4-7 drinks: 0.33, 95% CI 0.01-0.64). Moderate alcohol consumption (1-7 drinks/week) was associated with 2-fold higher odds of erosive hand OA, which was statistically significant. Additional adjustment for BMI gave similar strengths of associations.

CONCLUSION

Overweight/obesity were not associated with hand OA. Contrasting results were observed for smoking and hand OA, suggesting lack of association. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with hand OA severity, radiographic changes, and erosive hand OA, warranting further investigation.

Increased prevalence and severity of radiographic hand osteoarthritis in patients with HIV-1 infection associated with metabolic syndrome: data from the cross-sectional METAFIB-OA study

OBJECTIVE

To determine radiographic hand osteoarthritis (HOA) prevalence in patients with HIV-1 infection in comparison with the general population and to address whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) may increase the risk of HOA during HIV-1 infection.

PATIENTS

Patients with HIV-1 infection and MetS (International Diabetes Federation, IDF criteria) aged 45-65 years were matched by age and gender to HIV-1-infected subjects without MetS and underwent hand radiographs. Framingham OA cohort was used as general population cohort.

METHODS

Radiographic HOA was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score ≥2 on more than one joint. Radiographic severity was assessed by global KL score and number of OA joints. HOA prevalence was compared with that found in the Framingham study, stratified by age and sex. Logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the risk factors of HOA in patients with HIV-1 infection.

RESULTS

301 patients (88% male, mean age 53.4±5.0 years) were included, 152 with MetS and 149 without it. Overall, HOA prevalence was 55.5% and was higher for those with MetS than those without it (64.5% vs 46.3%, p=0.002). When considering men within each age group, HOA frequency was greater in patients with HIV-1 infection than the general population (all ages: 55.8% vs 38.7%; p<0.0001), due to the subgroup with MetS (64.9%; p<0.0001), as well as the subgroup without MetS, although not significant (46.6%; p=0.09). Risk of HOA was increased with MetS (OR 2.23, 95% 95% CI 1.26% to 3.96%) and age (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.25). HOA severity was greater for patients with MetS than those without. HOA was not associated with previous or current exposure to protease inhibitors or HIV infection-related markers.

CONCLUSIONS

HOA frequency is greater in patients with HIV-1 infection, especially those with MetS, than the general population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02353767.

Does occupational therapy reduce the need for surgery in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis? Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In the absence of disease-modifying interventions for hand osteoarthritis (OA), occupational therapy (OT) comprising patient education, hand exercises, assistive devices and orthoses are considered as core treatments, whereas surgery are recommended for those with severe carpometacarpal (CMC1) OA. However, even though CMC1 surgery may reduce pain and improve function, the risk of adverse effects is high, and randomized controlled trials comparing surgery with non-surgical interventions are warranted. This multicentre randomized controlled trial aims to address the following questions: Does OT in the period before surgical consultation reduce the need for surgery in CMC1-OA? What are patients' motivation and reasons for wanting CMC1-surgery? Are there differences between departments of rheumatology concerning the degree of CMC1-OA, pain and functional limitations in patients who are referred for surgical consultation for CMC1 surgery? Is the Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand a reliable measure in patients with CMC1-OA? Do patients with CMC1-OA with and without affection of the distal and proximal interphalangeal finger joints differ with regard to symptoms and function? Do the degree of CMC1-OA, symptoms and functional limitations significantly predict improvement after 2 years following OT or CMC1-surgery? Is OT more cost-effective than surgery in the management of CMC1-OA?

METHODS/DESIGN

All persons referred for surgical consultation due to their CMC1-OA at one of three Norwegian departments of rheumatology are invited to participate. Those who agree attend a clinical assessment and report their symptoms, function and motivation for surgery in validated outcome measures, before they are randomly selected to receive OT in the period before surgical consultation (estimated n = 180). The primary outcome will be the number of participants in each group who have received surgical treatment after 2 years. Secondary and tertiary outcomes are pain, function and satisfaction with care over the 2-year trial period. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, 4, 18 and 24 months. The main analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis, using logistic regression, comparing the number of participants in each group who have received surgical treatment after 2 years.

DISCUSSION

The findings will improve the evidence-based management of HOA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER

NCT01794754 . First registrated February 15^th 2013.

Surgical stabilization for symptomatic carpometacarpal hypermobility; a randomized comparison of a dorsal and a volar technique and a cohort of the volar technique

BACKGROUND

Hypermobility of the first carpometacarpal joint is mostly surgically treated with a volar approached stabilization by Eaton, but recent studies indicate the importance of the dorsoradial and intermetacarpal ligaments (DRL and IML) for carpometacarpal joint stability. The aim of this study was to compare a dorsal and volar technique for primary carpometacarpal hypermobility regarding pain and functional outcome.

METHODS

Patients with non-degenerative, painful carpometacarpal hypermobility were included and were randomly assigned to either the volar technique using the FCR, or a dorsal technique using the ECRL. After premature termination of the trial, we followed all patients treated with the volar approach. Pain, strength, and ADL function using DASH and Michigan Hand Questionnaires (MHQ) were measured at baseline and 3 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

After including 16 patients, the randomized trial comparing the volar and dorsal technique was terminated because of significant increased pain in the dorsal group. Although none of the other outcome measures were significant in the underpowered comparison, in line with the pain scores, all variables showed a trend towards a worse outcome in the dorsal group. Between 2009 and 2012, 57 thumbs were surgically stabilized. We found significant better pain and MHQ scores, and after 1 year improved grip and key pinch strength. Patients returned to work within 8 (±7) weeks, of which 85 % in their original job.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical stabilization of the thumb is an effective method for patients suffering from hypermobility regarding pain, daily function, and strength. We recommend a volar approach. Level of Evidence: Level I, therapeutic study.

Weaker Functional Pinch Strength Is Associated With Early Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint orchestrates pinch in its various positions, and thumb CMC osteoarthritis (OA) is a major source of orthopaedic morbidity. Self-reported pain, weakness, and physical examination may not correspond to radiographic findings when diagnosing early thumb CMC OA. Weakness is a prominent feature of the disease, but little evidence exists to quantify self-reported loss of strength with time, or to compare weakness with that of a nonarthritic population during early disease.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked: (1) Is pinch strength in subjects with early thumb CMC OA less than that in asymptomatic control subjects; and (2) weakness in which pinch position (key, tripod, or tip pinch) has the strongest association with early OA diagnosis?

METHODS

For this case-control study, we recruited 23 subjects who were asymptomatic and 91 with early OA for comprehensive history, physical examination, strength measurements, pain surveys, and radiographic evaluation. We used multivariate logistic regression to quantify the association between declining pinch strength and early OA diagnosis after controlling for age, sex, and BMI. This analysis was performed for three different pinch positions (key, tripod, and tip pinch) to evaluate which measurement was most closely associated with diagnosis.

RESULTS

Pinch strength was less in patients with early thumb CMC OA. Key pinch had the most robust association with OA diagnosis, in which a 20% decrease in key pinch strength from the control subjects' baseline was associated with a 10% increase in the OA diagnosis (95% CI, 3%-16%; p = 0.004). This had a stronger association with OA diagnosis than tip pinch, in which a 20% decrease in strength was associated with a 6% increase in early CMC OA (95% CI, 1.0%-11%; p = 0.031). Tripod pinch also was associated to a lesser extent; a 20% reduction in tripod pinch led to a 5% increase in OA (95% CI, 1.3%-9%; p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreasing pinch strength, especially key pinch, is associated with early CMC arthritis before the development of extensive radiographic disease.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Weakness in pinch strength, especially key pinch, is an important feature in the pathogenesis of early CMC OA and may appear before radiographic disease is present or advanced. These findings suggest a role for intervention in early disease for promoting nonoperative joint protection and strengthening, and designing surgical procedures aimed to delay or prevent clinical and radiographic progression.

Effectiveness of physical and occupational therapy on pain, function and quality of life in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is associated with more pain and restrictions than other hand osteoarthritis due to the functional importance of the thumb. While the effectiveness of surgical and pharmacological interventions has been widely examined, there is a lack of specific evidence about conservative non-pharmacological trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis therapies. The objective of this systematic review was to provide evidence-based knowledge on the effectiveness of physiotherapy and occupational therapy on pain, function and quality of life.

Methods

A literature search of Medline, CINAHL, PEDro, OTseeker, EMB Dare Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials and corresponding systematic reviews, observational studies, pragmatic studies and case–control studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed.

Results

Out of 218 studies, 27 were retained. A narrative summary and a series of meta-analyses were performed. Concerning pain reduction, the meta-analysis showed parity of pre-fabricated neoprene and custom-made thermoplastic splints: standardized mean difference (SMD) –0.01 (95%CI −0.43, 0.40) (p=0.95). Multimodal interventions are more effective on pain compared to single interventions: standardized mean difference −3.16 (95%CI −5.56, −0.75) (p = 0.01).

Discussion

Physical and occupational therapy-related interventions, especially multimodal interventions, seem to be effective to treat pain in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Pre-fabricated neoprene splints and custom-made thermoplastic splints may reduce pain equally. Single interventions seem not to be effective. Significant evidence for effectiveness on function and quality of life could not be found.

Early osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is not associated with joint instability during typical isometric loading

The saddle-shaped trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint contributes importantly to the function of the human thumb. A balance between mobility and stability is essential in this joint, which experiences high loads and is prone to osteoarthritis (OA). Since instability is considered a risk factor for TMC OA, we assessed TMC joint instability during the execution of three isometric functional tasks (key pinch, jar grasp, and jar twist) in 76 patients with early TMC OA and 44 asymptomatic controls. Computed tomography images were acquired while subjects held their hands relaxed and while they applied 80% of their maximum effort for each task. Six degree-of-freedom rigid body kinematics of the metacarpal with respect to the trapezium from the unloaded to the loaded task positions were computed in terms of a TMC joint coordinate system. Joint instability was expressed as a function of the metacarpal translation and the applied force. We found that the TMC joint was more unstable during a key pinch task than during a jar grasp or a jar twist task. Sex, age, and early OA did not have an effect on TMC joint instability, suggesting that instability during these three tasks is not a predisposing factor in TMC OA.

OARSI Clinical Trials Recommendations: Design and conduct of clinical trials for hand osteoarthritis

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a very frequent disease, but yet understudied. However, a lot of works have been published in the past 10 years, and much has been done to better understand its clinical course and structural progression. Despite this new knowledge, few therapeutic trials have been conducted in hand OA. The last OARSI recommendations for the conduct of clinical trials in hand OA dates back to 2006. The present recommendations aimed at updating previous recommendations, by incorporating new data. The purpose of this expert opinion, consensus driven exercise is to provide evidence-based guidance on the design, execution and analysis of clinical trials in hand OA, where published evidence is available, supplemented by expert opinion, where evidence is lacking, to perform clinical trials in hand OA, both for symptom and for structure-modification. They indicate core outcome measurement sets for studies in hand OA, and list the methods and instruments that should be used to measure symptoms or structure. For both symptom- and structure-modification, at least pain, physical function, patient global assessment, HR-QoL, joint activity and hand strength should be assessed. In addition, for structure-modification trials, structural progression should be measured by radiographic changes. We also provide a research agenda listing many unsolved issues that seem to most urgently need to be addressed from the perspective of performing "good" clinical trials in hand OA. These updated OARSI recommendations should allow for better standardizing the conduct of clinical trials in hand OA in the next future.

In vivo analysis of trapeziometacarpal joint arthrokinematics during multi-directional thumb motions

BACKGROUND

The investigation of the joint arthrokinematics of the trapeziometacarpal joint is critical to comprehend the causative mechanism underlying this common form of osteoarthritis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the arthrokinematics of the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb postures in vivo.

METHODS

Fifteen healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Static computed tomography images of the 1st metacarpal bone and trapezium were taken at specific thumb postures during thumb flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and circumduction motions. Images were analyzed to examine the joint gliding, expressed as displacement of the centroid of the articular surface of the 1st metacarpal bone, relative to the trapezium. The gliding ratio, defined as joint gliding in each direction normalized to the dimension of the trapezium joint surface in the given direction, was computed and compared between different thumb motions.

FINDINGS

The results indicate that thumb motions influenced joint gliding. The centroids of the articular surface of the 1st metacarpal bone were primarily located at the central and dorsal-radial regions while executing these motions. The maximum joint gliding of the 1st metacarpal bone occurred in the radial-ulnar direction when performing abduction-adduction, and in the dorsal-volar direction while performing flexion-extension and circumduction, with the gliding ratio values of 42.35%, 51.65%, and 51.85%, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Activities that involved abduction-adduction in the trapeziometacarpal joint caused greater joint gliding in the ulnar-radial direction, while flexion-extension resulted in greater joint gliding in the dorsal-volar and distal-proximal directions. Understanding normal joint kinematics in vivo may provide insights into the possible mechanism leading to osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint, and help to improve the design of implants.

Osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb: a new MR imaging technique for the standardized detection of relevant ligamental lesions

OBJECTIVE

To assess ligament lesions and subluxations of the carpometacarpal joints of the thumbs (CMC I) of asymptomatic volunteers and of patients with CMC I osteoarthritis using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 CMC I joints of 14 asymptomatic volunteers (6× both sides) and 28 CMC I joints of 22 patients (6× both sides) with symptomatic and X-ray-diagnosed osteoarthritis of CMC I joints were studied. During extension, flexion, abduction and adduction of the thumb, the anterior oblique (AOL), intermetacarpal (IML), posterior oblique (POL) and dorsal radial (DRL) ligaments were evaluated using 3-T MRI on two standard planes, and translation of metacarpal I (MC I) was assessed.

RESULTS

The MRI demonstrated that ligament lesions of the AOL and IML are frequent. Isolated rupture of the AOL was found in 6 of 28 (21%), combined rupture of the AOL + IML in 5 of 28 (18%) and isolated IML rupture in 4 of 28 (14%) joints. The patients had a significantly increased dorsal translation of MC I during extension with a median of 6.4 mm vs. 5.4 mm in asymptomatic volunteers (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MRIs of CMC I in two standardized planes frequently show combined ligament ruptures. The dorsal subluxation of MC I, which is increased in patients, correlates with OA severity based on X-ray and can be quantified by MRI. For joint-preserving surgical procedures and for prosthesis implantation of the CMC I, we recommend performing an MRI in two planes of the thumb-extension and abduction-to evaluate the ligaments and dorsal subluxation of MC I.

Ultrastructure and innervation of thumb carpometacarpal ligaments in surgical patients with osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

The complex configuration of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC-1) joint relies on musculotendinous and ligamentous support for precise circumduction. Ligament innervation contributes to joint stability and proprioception. Evidence suggests abnormal ligament innervation is associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in large joints; however, little is known about CMC-1 ligament innervation characteristics in patients with OA. We studied the dorsal radial ligament (DRL) and the anterior oblique ligament (AOL), ligaments with a reported divergent presence of mechanoreceptors in nonosteoarthritic joints.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

This study's purposes were (1) to examine the ultrastructural architecture of CMC-1 ligaments in surgical patients with OA; (2) to describe innervation, specifically looking at mechanoreceptors, of these ligaments using immunohistochemical techniques and compare the AOL and DRL in terms of innervation; and (3) to determine whether there is a correlation between age and mechanoreceptor density.

METHODS

The AOL and DRL were harvested from 11 patients with OA during trapeziectomy (10 women, one man; mean age, 67 years). The 22 ligaments were sectioned in paraffin and analyzed using immunoflourescent triple staining microscopy.

RESULTS

In contrast to the organized collagen bundles of the DRL, the AOL appeared to be composed of disorganized connective tissue with few collagen fibers and little innervation. Mechanoreceptors were identified in CMC-1 ligaments of all patients with OA. The DRL was significantly more innervated than the AOL. There was no significant correlation between innervation of the DRL and AOL and patient age.

CONCLUSIONS

The dense collagen structure and rich innervation of the DRL in patients with OA suggest that the DRL has an important proprioceptive and stabilizing role.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ligament innervation may correlate with proprioceptive and neuromuscular changes in OA pathophysiology and consequently support further investigation of innervation in disease prevention and treatment strategies.

Subsets of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis in community-dwelling older adults in the United Kingdom: prevalence, inter-relationships, risk factor profiles and clinical characteristics at baseline and 3-years

OBJECTIVE

To compare the population prevalence, inter-relationships, risk factor profiles and clinical characteristics of subsets of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) with a view to understanding their relative frequency and distinctiveness.

METHOD

1076 community-dwelling adults with hand symptoms (60% women, mean age 64.7 years) were recruited and classified into pre-defined subsets using physical examination and standardised hand radiographs, scored with the Kellgren & Lawrence (K&L) and Verbruggen-Veys grading systems. Detailed information on selected risk factors was obtained from direct measurement (Body Mass Index (BMI)), self-complete questionnaires (excessive use of hands, previous hand injury) and medical record review (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes). Hand pain and disability were self-reported at baseline and 3-year follow-up using Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN).

RESULTS

Crude population prevalence estimates for symptomatic hand OA subsets in the adult population aged 50 years and over were: thumb base OA (22.4%), nodal interphalangeal joint (IPJ) OA (15.5%), generalised hand OA (10.4%), non-nodal IPJ OA (4.9%), erosive OA (1.0%). Apart from thumb base OA, there was considerable overlap between the subsets. Erosive OA appeared the most distinctive with the highest female: male ratio, and the most disability at baseline and 3-years. A higher frequency of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome was observed in this subset.

CONCLUSION

Overlap in the occurrence of hand OA subsets poses conceptual and practical challenges to the pursuit of distinct phenotypes. Erosive OA may nevertheless provide particular insight into the role of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in the pathogenesis of OA.