Osteoarthritis of the fingers.

Osteoarthritis of the fingers is an especially common condition in postmenopausal women. Many consider it a normal part of aging or a relatively minor disease. Osteoarthritis of the fingers is a disease process that destroys interphalangeal cartilage and results in pain, swelling, decreased finger motion, joint deformities, and difficulty performing activities that require grip or pinch. Medication, rest, and supportive splinting alternated with mobility and strengthening exercises, patient education, and incorporation of joint protection techniques may alleviate symptoms and improve functional abilities. Surgery is indicated when these methods have failed to control pain, instability, and deformities or improve ease of function. Joints may be fused (arthrodesis) or replaced (arthroplasty) to manage pain and produce finger joints capable of withstanding the force of normal use without pain or further joint damage. Postoperative therapy includes splinting to protect healing structures along with range-of-motion programs to maximize functional outcomes.

Influence of occupational therapy curricula on students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities.

The influence of occupational therapy curricula on students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities was studied. Twenty-six female students in either their first or fourth (i.e, final) semester of the occupational therapy curriculum were assessed with the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP) (Yukor, Block, & Younng, 1966). A comparison group, 26 female students in either their first or fourth semester of the medical technology program, was also assessed with this scale. As hypothesized, the fourth-semester occupational therapy students showed significantly higher scores than did the other three groups of subjects. Also as predicted, this same group showed significantly higher scores than their first-semester counterparts and the fourth-semester medical technology students. No significant difference was found between first-semester and fourth-semester medical technology students. The occupational therapy curriculum appears to positively influence students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities.