Hand Therapy最新文献

Introduction: A survey of International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT) member countries identified relative motion extension as the preferred approach to management of zones V-VI extensor tendon repairs. The aims of this survey were to identify and compare hand therapy practice patterns in Malaysia (a non-IFSHT member country) with findings of the IFSHT survey including an IFSHT subset of Asia-Pacific therapists and to investigate if membership status of the Malaysian Society for Hand Therapists (MSHT) influenced therapy practice patterns.

Methods: An online English-language survey was distributed to 90 occupational therapists and physiotherapists including MSHT members and non-members. Participation required management of at least one extensor tendon repair in the preceding year. Five approaches were surveyed: immobilisation, early passive motion (EPM) with dynamic splinting, and early active motion (EAM) delivered by resting hand (RH), palmar resting interphalangeal joints free (PR), and relative motion extension (RME) splints.

Results: Thirty-seven of the 53 therapists (68%) who commenced the survey completed it. The most used approach was dynamic/EPM (28%), followed by RH/immobilisation (22%) and RH/EAM (22%). A preference for RME/EAM was identified with implementation barriers being surgeon preference and hand therapist confidence.

Discussion: Approach selection for Malaysian therapists differed from the combined IFSHT and Asia-Pacific respondents, with the former using dynamic/EPM and RH/immobilisation compared to IFSHT respondents who predominately used RME/EAM and PR/EAM. This survey provides valuable insights into Malaysian hand therapists' practices. If implementation barriers and therapist confidence are addressed, Malaysian practice patterns may change to better align with current evidence.

Introduction: Using meaningful activities as a treatment modality is characteristic of occupation-based intervention (OBI). The benefits of OBI have been described, but not the effectiveness thereof. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of OBI in relation to the type, commencement, duration and outcomes as reported in literature.

Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted, including EBSCOHost, PubMed, Cochrane Register for Controlled Trials, Web of Science, OTSeeker, PEDro and Google Scholar. Search terms included 'occupation-based', 'occupation-centered', 'intervention', 'upper limb' and 'outcome measures'. Studies including OBI for neurological or paediatric cases were excluded.

Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Using the PEDro scale, three of the studies, all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), were viewed as high quality, one of fair and one of poor quality. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis was not possible, and a narrative synthesis is presented. Five studies used interviewing together with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to determine the client's occupational profile when choosing meaningful activities. The commencement and duration of OBI varied amongst the studies, and a variety of outcome measures were used to determine the effectiveness of OBI.

Discussion: OBI used together with biomechanical approaches shows promising effectiveness. Outcome measures such as the COPM and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) that measure activity and participation, should be employed in client-centered practice. More robust scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of OBI is needed.

Introduction: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and impaired wrist proprioception. Sensorimotor training of extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and pronator quadratus (PQ) can enhance DRUJ stability. With limited evidence on effectiveness of TFCC sensorimotor rehabilitation, this study aimed to evaluate the effects and feasibility of a novel wrist sensorimotor rehabilitation program (WSRP) for TFCC injuries.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with TFCC injuries were recruited from May 2018 to January 2020 at an outpatient hand clinic in Singapore General Hospital. There are four stages in WSRP: (1) pain control, (2) muscle re-education and joint awareness, (3) neuromuscular rehabilitation, and (4) movement normalization and function. WSRP also incorporated dart throwing motion and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Outcome measures included grip strength measured with grip dynamometer, numerical pain rating scale, joint position sense (JPS) measurement, weight bearing measured with the 'push-off' test, and wrist function reported on the Patient Rated Wrist Hand Evaluation.

Results: Ten patients completed the WSRP. Mean changes were compared with minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for outcomes. All patients achieved MCID on pain, 70% of patients achieved MCID on grip strength, weight bearing and wrist function. Paired t-tests and Cohen's D for outcome measures were calculated. There were large effect sizes of 2.47, 1.35, and 2.81 for function, grip strength and pain respectively, and moderate effect sizes of 0.72 and 0.39 for axial loading and JPS respectively.

Discussion: WSRP presents a potential treatment approach in TFCC rehabilitation. There is a need for future prospective clinical trials with control groups.

Introduction: Trigger finger is a common and functionally limiting disorder. Finger immobilization using an orthotic device is one of the conservative treatment options for treating this condition. The most common orthosis previously described for trigger finger is metacarpophalangeal joint immobilization. There are limited studies describing the effectiveness of proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis for treatment of trigger finger.

Methods: This study was a single group pretest-posttest design. Adult patients with single digit idiopathic trigger finger were recruited and asked to wear a full-time orthoses for 6 weeks. The pre- and post-outcome measures included Quick-DASH score, the Stages of Stenosing Tenosynovitis (SST), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the number of triggering events in ten active fists, and participant satisfaction with symptom improvement. Orthotic devices were made with thermoplastic material fabricated with adjustable Velcro tape at the dorsal side. All participants were given written handouts on this disease, orthotic care and gliding exercises. Paired t-tests were used to determine changes in outcome measures before and after wearing the orthosis.

Results: There were 30 participants included in this study. Evaluation after the use of PIP joint orthosis at 6 weeks revealed that there were statistically significant improvements in Quick-DASH score from enrolment (mean difference -29.0 (95%CI -34.5 to -23.4); p < 0.001), SST (mean difference -1.4 (95%CI -1.8 to -1.0); p < 0.001) and VAS (mean difference -3.4 (95%CI -4.3 to -2.5); p < 0.001). There were no serious adverse events and patient satisfaction with the treatment was high.

Conclusions: Despite our small study size, the use of proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis for 6 weeks resulted in statistically significant improvements in function, pain and triggering, and also high rates of acceptance in patients with isolated idiopathic trigger finger.

Introduction: For some people the appearance of their hands is as important as function. Upper limb scarring can cause some patients distress. Skin camouflage is an intervention that can be used to reduce the visual impact of a scar but there is limited published evidence for its use for hand scarring.

Methods: This is a case series study with a primary objective to determine whether skin camouflage reduces distress in patients with an upper limb scar and to evaluate this new service. Patients experiencing distress from an upper limb scar were recruited from a hand therapy outpatient clinic. The intervention delivered was a one hour skin camouflage session. Photographs of the upper limb pre and post skin camouflage intervention were taken. The patient-rated Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS24) were completed before treatment, at 1 week and 1 month after treatment.

Results: Six participants reporting distress from an upper limb scar received skin camouflage intervention. Only three out of six participants completed all follow-up. All three showed improvement in at least two domains of the MHQ (function and aesthetics) at one month post treatment. Increased confidence during functional and work-based activities was also reported on the DAS24. Participants reported increased engagement in daily activities as a result of being able to camouflage their scars.

Conclusions: This small case series shows that skin camouflage intervention may be beneficial for some patients who are experiencing distress related to an upper limb scar by increasing function and self-confidence.

Introduction: Relative motion splinting has been used successfully in the treatment of extensor tendon repairs and has recently been applied in flexor tendon rehabilitation. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify articles reporting use of relative motion flexion (RMF) splinting following flexor tendon repair and to examine indications for use and clinical outcomes.

Methods: Seven medical databases, four trials registries and three grey literature sources were systematically searched and screened against pre-specified eligibility criteria. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were independently performed by two reviewers.

Results: A total of 12 studies were identified, of which three met the review eligibility criteria: one retrospective case series; one cadaveric proof of concept study; and one ongoing prospective case series. The type of splint (including metacarpophalangeal joint position and available movement), exercise programme, and zone of tendon injury varied between studies. Both case series presented acceptable range of movement and grip strength outcomes. The prospective series reported one tendon rupture and two tenolysis procedures; the retrospective series reported no tendon ruptures or secondary surgeries.

Discussion: We found limited evidence supporting the use of RMF splinting in the rehabilitation of zones I-III flexor tendon repairs. Further prospective research with larger patient cohorts is required to assess the clinical outcomes, patient reported outcomes and safety of RMF splinting in comparison to other regimes. Application of the relative motion principles to flexor tendon splinting varied across the included studies, and we suggest an operational definition of relative motion in this context.

Introduction: Several general hand functional assessment tools for Dupuytren's disease have been reported, but none of the patient-reported-outcome measures specific to Dupuytren's disease-associated disabilities are available in the Italian language. The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) into Italian (URAM-I) and determine its measurement properties.

Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the current guidelines. Construct validity (convergent and divergent validity) was measured by comparing the URAM-I with the Pain-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE-I), Short-Form 36 (SF-36-I) scale and finger range of motion, respectively. Factor analysis was used to investigate the URAM-I's internal structure. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability by Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Results: This study included 96 patients (males = 85%, age = 66.8 ± 9.3). Due to the cultural adaptation, we divided the original item #1 into two separate items, thus generating the URAM-I(10). Convergent validity analysis showed a strong positive (r = 0.67), significant (p < 0.01) Pearson's correlation with the PRWHE-I. Divergent validity analysis showed a weak, negative (r < 0.3) and not significant correlation with the SF-36-I subscales, except for the physical pain subscale (r = -0.21, p < 0.05). Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor, 4-item solution that explained 76% of the total variance. The URAM-I(10) demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.94) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97).

Conclusion: The URAM-I(10) demonstrates moderate construct validity, high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and showed a 2-factor internal structure. Its evaluative use can be suggested for the Italian Dupuytren's population.

Introduction: Compression gloves are frequently provided to patients with hand arthritis. Evidence for effectiveness is limited. The aim of this study was to determine feasibility of recruitment, assessment and treatment procedures, in preparation for a future compression glove trial.

Methods: A non-randomised feasibility study with out-patients with either undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or hand osteoarthritis, with moderate to severe hand pain. All received Isotoner™ compression gloves provided by rheumatology occupational therapists. The main outcomes were feasibility of recruitment, assessment and treatment procedures, trial outcome selection and sample size calculation. Participants were assessed at baseline and four weeks. Assessments included: numeric rating scales (0-10) of hand pain (on activity, at rest, at night) and stiffness; hand joint swelling; finger flexion; and hand function (Grip Ability Test).

Results: Of 318 patients screened, 86/204 (42%) of inflammatory and 68/114 (60%) of hand osteoarthritis patients were eligible. Of these, 41 (48%: age: 59.10 (SD 12.54) years) and 32 (47%: age: 60.75 (SD 8.64) years) respectively, consented. All completed four-week follow-up. Assessment and treatment protocols were feasible. Hand pain on activity and at night, stiffness, joint swelling, finger flexion and hand function improved: e.g. hand pain on activity: inflammatory arthritis change = -0.95 (SD 2.26; p = 0.01); osteoarthritis -1.57 (SD 1.78; p = 0.001). Participants reported improved hand pain, stiffness and hand function as main benefits.

Conclusion: Procedures tested were feasible. The most relevant primary outcome was hand pain on activity. Future trials would need 161 participants (Inflammatory arthritis) and 151 (hand osteoarthritis).Trial registration: Clinical Trials.Gov: NCT01874067.

Introduction: For many patients, audio-visual appointments have provided a timely and efficient way of seeking advice, assessment and treatment for their hand injuries during the NHS response to COVID-19. This study aimed to explore the experience of hand units across the UK in determining the safe and judicious use of audio-visual outpatient care for the management of acute upper limb trauma.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was sent to the therapy leads of hand units across the UK. Questions focused on the experience of using audio-visual technology in the management of upper limb trauma, and the relevant factors in determining its appropriate use. A deductive mixed methods analysis was used to identify both common themes and capture community experience and characteristics.

Results: A total of 51 out of 76 hand therapy units completed the survey; a response rate of 67%. Of these, 82% (42/51) reported using audio-visual technology to manage upper limb trauma during the UK COVID-19 lockdown. When determining patient suitability for audio-visual consultations, 73% (37/51) of respondents reported the use of COVID-19 guidelines, but only 35% (18/51) reported the use of a clinical decision-making tool. In agreement with our experience at Salisbury Hospital Foundation Trust, 92% (47/51) had concerns relating to the use of audio-visual care.

Conclusion: The choice of safely managed remote care or in-person consultation has, to date, largely relied on the discretion of the clinician. A carefully designed clinical decision-making tool for the management of upper limb trauma is needed for use both in clinical practice and in future service planning.