Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Correspondence: angela. Rhizarthrosis is the most frequent form of osteoarthritis and is responsible for pain, disability and reduced functionality. The aim of the study is to investigate the clinical effects of shock wave treatment in patients suffering from arthritis of the first finger.
A prospective clinical study was designed, in which 72 patients affected by rhizarthrosis were randomized to treatment with shock waves or exercises; in both groups an immobilization brace was used on the first finger.
In both groups there was a significant improvement in all scores in the comparison between recruitment and 6 months. The perception of improvement was statistically better in the shock wave group than in the exercise group at 1, 3 and 6 months. Both therapies are effective in managing patients suffering from arthritis of the first finger, but the shock wave treatment could ensure greater persistence of improvements. Keywords: extracorporeal shock wave therapy, exercise, physical therapy, osteoarthritis, trapeziometacarpal, thumb.
Osteoarthritis OA is a degenerative inflammatory joint disease with high prevalence, negative effects on quality of life and high costs to the healthcare system [ 1 ]. It has been estimated that over million people suffer from OA worldwide and the incidence of this disease is influenced by many factors, such as work, sports participation, musculoskeletal injuries, obesity and sex [ 2 ].
OA of the hands is the most common form and predominantly affects women. Furthermore, it is responsible for deformity, stiffness and reduced mobility and strength, limiting common activities such as opening containers, carrying objects and holding pens. The treatment of choice for OA of the base of the first toe is conservative, while surgical treatment is reserved for those whose symptoms do not improve [ 3 ]. Surgical management, however, may be burdened by a number of complications, such as tendon rupture, sensory alterations and infection [ 4 ].
