The thumb is NOT just another finger and CMC osteoarthritis is NOT just about one joint! This course examines the detailed anatomy, kinesiology, pathomechanics, clinical evaluation and treatment of thumb CMC osteoarthritis while focusing on current evidence-based practice knowledge. Hands-on evaluation and splinting labs provide clinical skill building. Splinting lab covers Colditz thumb CMC, thumb MP swan neck, thumb MP volar subluxation, and one-piece thumb spica splints.

This course is for experienced hand therapists who want more than the basics: detailed, precise, clinical treatment insight. Extensive bibliography and comprehensive handouts included.

Experience Level - Intermediate/Advanced

Course Objectives

At the completion of this two-day course, the participant will be able to:

1. Recognize mechanics of normal and abnormal thumb movement.
2. Identify the anatomy of the CMC, MP and IP joints of the thumb.
3. Discuss the muscle tendon units affecting thumb motion.
4. Demonstrate clinical examination/evaluation techniques of the thumb.
5. Differentiate the planes of motion of all thumb joints.
6. Identify the stages of osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint.
7. Compare evidence for surgical and non-surgical treatment of thumb CMC osteoarthritis
8. Demonstrate the construction of a Colditz thumb CMC splint.
9. Demonstrate the construction of a thumb MP swan neck splint.
10. Demonstrate the construction of a splint for thumb MP volar subluxation.
11. Demonstrate the construction of a thumb spica splint.

A New Perspective on Thumb Mechanics & CMC Osteoarthritis (14 Contact Hours)