For patients with De Quervain syndrome using thumb spica orthosis prescribing in acute stage of syndrome, is restricting. Many patients are dissatisfied with using the static hard design and find it difficult to perform their daily activities. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of modified articulated and conventional static orthoses on pinch power and functional abilities of hand in De Quervain syndrome.

In this quasi-experimental study, palmar and lateral pinch strength of the thumb, pain and functional abilities of hand, patient's satisfaction of orthoses, were evaluated after using modified articulated and conventional static orthosis in two groups. Twenty-four women between 18 and 60 years with De Quervain syndrome were randomly allocated in two groups of treatment. The first group used conventional static orthoses and the second one utilized modified articulated design. During the period of treatment, patients were encouraged to do their daily activities just like before.

Both orthoses improved palmar and lateral pinch strength of the thumb, pain level and functional abilities. In comparison of mentioned variables, there was no significant difference between two groups regarding to pain recovery and abilities improvement (P>0.05). However, the satisfaction level of the patients who had used the articulated orthosis was higher (P<0.05).

It seems, adding a joint to the static thumb spica leads to patient's relief and consequently to their satisfaction. This study shows that static and modified articulated thumb spica orthoses were similar regarding to the effect on pain and functional abilities of the patients with De Quervain syndrome. However, according to the higher rate of satisfaction of the patients utilizing articulated orthosis, the use of new articulated design of orthosis is recommended instead of the conventional static model.