Project plan published for benefit assessment of motor-driven movement splints (CPM) after interventions on the knee joint and on the shoulder joint by IQWiG

Motor-driven movement sprints, also called continuous passive motion (CPM) splints, are used in the conservative treatment or after surgical interventions on joint structures. This is intended to improve or restore joint mobility, to prevent joint stiffening and to promote healing.

In September 2016, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) commissioned the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) with the assessment of the use of a (domestic) application of CPM as part of a conservative treatment or after surgery on the knee or shoulder joint. The aim is to assess the benefit of the method with respect to patient-relevant outcomes compared to no treatment, sham treatment, or treatment with any CPM comparison intervention that meets the clinical standard.

After the publication of the preliminary project plan in the end of 2016, the IQWiG invited organizations, institutions, and industry to comment on the planned assessment. Written statements were submitted by:

- Institute for empirical health economy (IFEG)

- ORMED GmbH and S&U Medizintechnik GmbH (manufacturers)

- Association CPM Therapy (Verband CPM Therapie e. V.)

IQWiG evaluated the arguments and presented a review in the appraisal of comments. Arguments that were considered by IQWiG as scientifically valid arguments in relation to background and methods are reflected in the updated project plan.

IQWiG regularly calls for opinions or statements by interested parties on its website. In the context of benefit assessments, this gives an important opportunity to manufacturers for impacting the planned evaluation.

The project plan by IQWiG is available in German here.

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