Rhizarthrosis Part I: A Literature Review

Rhizarthrosis (RA), or trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, is an arthritic degenerative process that affects the first joint of the thumb. The objective of this work is to provide therapists with an overview of the fundamental issues related to the therapeutic management of trapeziometacarpal joint instability. Prevalent in females, especially post-menopause, and linked to age, RA involves ligament and muscle structures, with causes ranging from hormonal influences to mechanical factors. Understanding the biomechanics, stability, and factors contributing to RA is crucial for effective intervention. This study explores the role of ligaments, muscles, and anatomical variants in thumb joint degeneration, emphasizing the importance of stability and congruence. RA manifests as pain at the base of the thumb, limiting grip strength and hindering everyday tasks. Pain initially occurs during specific movements but can progress to constant discomfort, affecting sleep. Chronic RA leads to joint stiffness, deformities like the "Z thumb," and muscle atrophy, impacting daily functions. Clinical evaluation involves pain assessment, joint mobility examination, and palpation. Diagnostic tests like the grind test and lever test aid in confirming RA. Radiographic examination reveals joint space degeneration and osteophytes and helps classify RA stages using the Eaton-Littler classification. Conservative treatment aims to alleviate pain, reduce joint stress, and enhance function. Orthoses help stabilize the joint. Therapeutic exercises, emphasizing muscle strength and dynamic stability, prove beneficial. Manual therapies like neurodynamic, Kaltenborn, Mulligan, and Maitland techniques target pain reduction and improve joint mechanics. The studies on conservative approaches provide evidence that a multimodal intervention consisting of joint mobilization, neural mobilization, and exercise is beneficial in reducing pain in patients with RA. When conservative therapy fails, surgical intervention is indicated.