Summary
Seven patients with definite RA and bilateral ulnar deviation of Fearnley grade I were included in a study of the usefulness of noctural resting splints. Each patient used the splint on average 17 months on one hand, randomly chosen, with the free hand as control. Joint mobility, grip strength, pain and radiographic findings were recorded at start and finish of the study. Splint treatment influenced grip strength positively, and most patients stated pain relief during the night. However, all but one patient showed progression of ulnar deviation in both hands, and there was no significant difference in progression between treated and nontreated hands. This study thus supported the use of resting splints at night for pain relief but not for prevention of ulnar deviation.
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Johnson, P.M., Sandkvist, G., Eberhardt, K. et al. The usefulness of nocturnal resting splints in the treatment of ulnardeviation of the rheumatoid hand. Clin Rheumatol 11, 72–75 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207088
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207088