Which brace is used for hand OA?

• A. CMC orthosis
• B. Wrist brace
• C. Thumb spica
• D. Finger splint

Answer: (A)

Hand OA most commonly affects the base of the thumb at the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Immobilizing and stabilizing this joint relieves pain during pinching and gripping and improves function. A CMC orthosis is specifically designed to cradle and immobilize the base of the thumb, restricting motion at the CMC joint while allowing the rest of the hand to move. This targeted stabilization directly addresses the joint most often affected by hand OA, giving symptomatic relief and enabling easier use of the hand.

A wrist brace mainly immobilizes the wrist, which doesn’t directly treat the thumb base OA. A finger splint confines a single finger, not the CMC joint. A thumb spica can be used for thumb issues and may immobilize the thumb and wrist, but the CMC orthosis is the device most specifically intended to stabilize the CMC joint in hand OA.