The impact of immobilisation following trapeziectomy surgery Version1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Does the length of time of immobilisation following simple trapeziectomy surgery affect the outcomes of pain, function and patient experiences for people with osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb?

• IRAS ID

  258835

• Contact name

  Sarah Woodbridge

• Contact email

  s.woodbridge@derby.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Derby

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 6 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  The research will be conducted at Spire Little Aston Hospital Physiotherapy Department.
  The purpose of the study is to find out whether the length of time a patient's hand and wrist is kept immobilised in a splint after surgery has an impact on their pain and day-to-day activities. The patient will be seen immediately after surgery, as usual practice, when they are given exercises and management advice for the first couple of weeks after surgery. At this point each patient is then randomised into a group for immobilisation for 0, 2, or 4 weeks. After this period each patient participates in a strengthening and movement programme as per usual protocol.

  All adult patients undergoing simple trapeziectomy surgery (removal of a small bone at the base of the thumb) whose rehabilitation is at Spire Little Aston Hospital will be eligible. The patients must have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the base of thumb (Grades 1-3) and also have capacity to participate. Patients who are undergoing more complex or additional surgical procedures will not be asked to participate. The patients will be asked to fill in two short, standardised questionnaires (quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH) and Patient Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE)) pre-operatively and at eight weeks post-op, additionally participate in a semi structured interview about their experience at their eight week follow-up. This information will help the researcher understand the impact the surgery has had on their life and to examine current post-operative care from a patient’s perspective alongside current evidence. The interviews will be undertaken by the primary researcher during their final physiotherapy session. The research will help to shape future post-operative care pathways.
  280 words

• REC name

  Wales REC 6

• REC reference

  19/WA/0087

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 Mar 2019

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion