Una nuova ortesi per la scrittura per pazienti affetti da artrite reumatoide

Objective. To not aggravate the degenerative process of the structures involved and to maintain a socially-acceptable level of independence, most patients affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis need the support of aids, orthoses, or adaptive equipment. Writing is a functional activity of great importance for patient independence and numerous types of writing orthoses have been conceived, but they are not always effective. This article presents a new writing orthosis, made of a silicone material, mouldable at room temperature and directly to the fingers of the subject. Efficacy of the orthosis on pain reduction and quality of writing is evaluated in a subject affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Experimental Design. Technical note. Setting. The study was carried out within a Rehabilitation Center. Evaluation. The improvement in writing performance was evaluated by comparing the maximum speed and legibility of writing carried out with and without the use of the orthosis. Moreover, by means of a questionnaire, after a period of use of the orthosis, the subjective attitude towards the orthosis and its effect on pain were evaluated. Results. A significant increase in the maximum speed of writing and an improvement in its legibility were observed. The patient showed a good tolerance towards the orthosis, and reported the absence of pain during use and a marked reduction in the sensation of fatigue.