3-Point Products' Blog

Osteoarthritis (OA) at the base of the thumb is a common diagnosis among older individuals.  Research suggests that 26.2% of women and 13.4 % of men age 71-100 years old have symptoms of this diagnosis and that approximately 70% of community dwelling individuals with hand pain have OA at the base of the thumb as well.

Studies have consistently found that using an orthosis helps to decrease pain and improve function for individuals with arthritis at the base of the thumb. There is no consistent evidence to suggest that one orthosis is more effective than another, however, research does suggest that individuals prefer pre-fabricated designed orthoses.

Along with a more common thumb deformity caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, thumb deformities can also be a result of thenar wasting, caused by median nerve injury or compression.

What causes the deformity?

The median nerve innervates the opponens pollicis (OP) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB). These two muscles make up most of the bulk of the thenar eminence and allow the thumb to perform palmar abduction (thumb opening away from the palm) and rotation for pad to pad prehension.

Types of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve compression and at any one point in time it impacts 3% of the population.  Surgery for a carpal tunnel release is considered a gold standard in treatment and is performed when symptoms are severe enough to warrant surgical intervention. There are two main categories for types of carpal tunnel releases at this point in time.

Anatomy of the Wrist

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a complicated component of the wrist comprised of several ligaments, an articular disc, a meniscus homolog and the sheath for one of the extensor tendons that crosses the ulnar wrist.

With the NFL season off to a strong start, it's highly likely that many players are starting to sustain injuries not only to their knees, shoulders and ankles but also to their hands. Jersey Finger is an injury that primarily occurs in football and other contact sports. As we roll into the football season, this may be a good time to review what jersey finger is and how it's treated.     

What is Jersey Finger?

Jersey finger injury is a traumatic rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon from its point of attachment at the base of the distal phalanx.

Testing for de Quervain's Tenosynovitis

You may have heard about a newer way to test for de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. This test applies stress to the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons without stressing the thumb and wrist joints.

Along with this testing standard for de Quervain’s, the terminology used to describe the condition has also changed over the years.

With Rheumatoid Arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues affecting the lining of the joints and causing swelling that may eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The wrist and fingers are involved in approximately 75% of cases.

The early stages of RA include pain, swelling, and stiffness upon waking, while the later stages include progression to significant deformity and instability. A common treatment in the early stages is the use of a resting orthosis at night during sleep.

Treatment for Gamekeeper's and Skier's Thumb

The thumb metacarpal phalangeal (MP) joint has a collateral ligament at the radial and ulnar aspect of the joint which provides stability for static lateral pinch. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is susceptible to injury when radial deviation and hyperextension force is applied to the MP joint. The “classic” acute Skier’s thumb occurs when the thumb is forcefully abducted and hyperextended by the pole during a fall. Gamekeeper's thumb is differentiated from Skier’

Anatomy of the Wrist

The lunate and the triquetrum make up the ulnar side of the proximal carpal row at the wrist. Ligaments, particularly the lunotriquetral (LT) ligament, provide support to this joint. This ligament is horse-shoe or c-shaped and contains a volar, dorsal and proximal component.

Pain associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis (also known as tennis and golfer’s elbow respectively) is common and can interfere with functional use of the involved extremity. According to research study, an elbow brace or wrist orthosis can assist with decreasing pain and increasing function for this diagnosis. The following information provides a comparison of commonly used braces and splints to treat the symptoms associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis.