The effect of the Futuro wrist brace in pain conditions of the wrist.

In a study to assess the effects of the Futuro wrist brace (Adcock-Ingram) in 22 patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tenosynovitis and gout of the wrist, grip and pinch dynamometers were used to measure improvement in function. The study confirmed the efficacy of the wrist brace by demonstrating an average of 23.7% improvement in grip strength over the 10-day study, as well as a significant average improvement in pinch strength of 14.8% (P less than 0.05). In the subgroup of 8 rheumatoid arthritis patients a significant average increase in grip strength of 48.9% (P less than 0.025) was obtained. Both day and night pain was reduced and there was improvement in patients' ability to carry out their daily activities. The brace was found to be comfortable and easy to use.