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INTRODUCTIONHand osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition with a debilitating impact. Kwok et al 1 , reported the prevalence of erosive hand osteoarthritis to be 2.8% in the general population and 10.2% in individuals with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis 1 . They concluded it to have a profound impact on pain and disability in individuals over the age of 55 years 1 . Although it is difficult to predict future prevalence of this disease it is estimated that OA will be the leading cause of disability by the year 2020 2 . As the condition is irreversible, the prevalence increases with age . Occupational therapy is focused on treating the symptoms associated with this degenerative disease, as well as the impact it has on the client's occupational performance 5 . Due to the degenerative nature of OA, medical intervention centres primarily on symptomatic relief, maintaining function and the prevention of deformities. Occupational therapist's direct specific intervention which contributes toward pain relief, maintaining joint range of motion, preventing deformities and assisting in improving the ability to execute activities of daily living, thus contributing to an overall improvement in the client's quality of life. Limited knowledge exists about the intervention preferred by occupational therapists treating OA of the CMCJ of the thumb within the South African context. This study therefore aimed to obtain clarity concerning the preferred occupational therapy regimen used by occupational therapists in guiding their intervention of this condition. The factors influencing the course of intervention were also explored.It is proposed that guidelines for the intervention of OA of the CMCJ of the thumb within the South African context be developed based on the result of this study. Such guidelines could provide a foundation for selecting appropriate intervention methods and modalities allowing for effective patient management.
LITERATURE REVIEWThe diagnosis of OA of the CMCJ of the thumb is assisted by radiological findings as well as the physical examination, patient history and the qualitative assessment of the hand by the medical specialist