High Median Nerve Paralysis: Is the Hand of Benediction or Preacher's Hand A Correct Sign?

High median nerve injuries are commonly presented in textbooks as adopting the typical posture of hand of benediction or preacher's hand. This study aimed to show that the hand of benediction or preacher's hand is incorrectly associated with a high median nerve paralysis. Methods: A retrospective review of four cases with a high median nerve injury is presented. Diagnosis of a high median nerve injury was performed by means of intraoperative findings, electrodiagnostic studies, or ultrasound imaging. None of the patients presented in this study had a hand of benediction on physical examination despite the presence of a high median nerve lesion. Results: All four patients with high median nerve injuries showed a similar hand posture when attempting to make a fist. Firstly, the index finger still flexed at the metacarpophalangeal joint because of the ulnar innervated interossei muscles. Secondly the thumb is completely abducted at the carpometocarpal joint and extended at the interphalangeal joint. Lastly, middle finger flexion is possible due to dual innervation of its flexor digitorum profundus by the ulnar nerve as well as due to the quadriga phenomenon. Conclusions: The clinical appearance of a high median nerve palsy is different from the classical hand of benediction or preacher's hand posture pointing finger. We have shown that this incorrect association can result in delayed referral of patients with high median nerve injuries.

Upper Extremity Function following Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results of the ARCUS Trial.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of upper extremity dysfunction (UED), after a transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI). Background: Transradial approach (TRA) is the preferred approach for coronary interventions. However, upper extremity complications may be underreported. Methods: The ARCUS was designed as a prospective cohort study, including 502 consecutive patients admitted for PCI. Patients treated with transfemoral PCI (TF-PCI) acted as a control group. A composite score of physical examinations and questionnaires was used for determining UED. Clinical outcomes were monitored during six months of follow-up, with its primary endpoint at two weeks. Results: A total of 440 TR-PCI and 62 control patients were included. Complete case analysis (n = 330) at 2 weeks of follow-up showed that UED in the TR-PCI group was significantly higher than that in the TF-PCI group: 32.7% versus 13.9%, respectively (p=0.04). The three impaired variables most contributing to UED were impaired elbow extension, wrist flexion, and extension. Multivariate logistic regression showed that smokers were almost three times more likely to develop UED. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that UED seems to occur two times more in TR-PCI than in TF-PCI at 2 weeks of follow-up. However, no significant long-term difference or difference between the intervention arm and the contralateral arm was found at all timepoints.

Predictive Value of the (Quick)DASH Tool for Upper Extremity Dysfunction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Purpose: The use of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and its shortened version, the QuickDASH, have been used to assess upper extremity function following a transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI). However, the use of these scores has not yet been validated for TR-PCI induced complications in the upper extremity. The aim of this study was to establish the validity of the DASH and the QuickDASH, for the assessment of upper extremity dysfunction following a transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI). Patients and Methods: This study was a diagnostic retrospective analysis of the ARCUS study, of whom 440 underwent TR-PCI and 62 control patients were treated via the transfemoral approach. All participants completed the DASH and QuickDASH questionnaire prior to the procedure and at each follow-up visit up to six months of follow-up. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were constructed to determine the validity of the questionnaires, using physical examinations to determine the occurrence of upper extremity dysfunction, according to the ARCUS study. Results: At each follow-up moment, the area under the curve (AUC) showed a poor ability of the DASH and QuickDASH to discriminate between patients with and without upper extremity dysfunction (AUC: 0.565-0.586). There was no significant difference between the questionnaires (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The DASH and QuickDASH questionnaires are both equally incapable of discriminating between patients with and without upper extremity dysfunction following a TR-PCI. Study results suggest that the DASH and QuickDASH questionnaires are incapable of discerning changes in upper extremity function as a result of procedural complications following a TR-PCI vs cardiac induced activity cessation.

Treatment and Management of Upper Extremity Dysfunction Following Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The transradial artery access is the benchmark approach in transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different complications, treatments, and outcome of upper extremity dysfunction following a TR-PCI. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort substudy of patients with access-site complications. The study population consisted of 433 patients treated with TR-PCI. Referral to the hand center was mandated if the patient experienced new-onset or increase of preexistent symptoms in the upper extremity. Patients were followed up to the last control visit (5-7 months after the index procedure) at the hand center. Outcome results were categorized in "symptom-free," "improvement of symptoms," and "no improvement." RESULTS: Forty-one (9% of total) patients underwent assessment at the hand center. Most frequent referral indication was pain in the intervention arm. Women, preexisting sensibility disorder, and osteoarthritis in the intervention arm were associated with increased odds of referral. The most common complications diagnosed were carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 18) and osteoarthritis (n = 15). Thirty patients required further medical treatment. Immobilization therapy was most applied. Seventeen (4% of total) patients had persisting symptoms despite medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of complications in the upper extremity after a TR-PCI is small. Despite medical treatment, symptoms persisted in 4% of all patients treated with TR-PCI. Possible explanations for the persisting symptoms are exacerbation of latent osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome by trauma-induced edema. Awareness of TR-PCI-induced complications among all specialists is essential to optimize patient care.

SMoC-Wrist: a sensorimotor control-based exercise program for patients with chronic wrist pain.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a narrative review. INTRODUCTION: Chronic wrist pain is a common disorder that can lead to considerable disability in performing activities in daily living and at work. Patients with nonspecific chronic wrist pain are regularly referred to a physiotherapist/hand therapist. Immobilization, avoiding excessive wrist load, steroid injections, and various physical therapy methods predominantly focus on the pain itself. However, these methods often do not result in a satisfactory long-term pain relief. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In this article, we will describe the principles behind and content of a sensorimotor control-based exercise program as introduced by Videler et al., modified and substantiated by current insights into sensorimotor control training and wrist kinetics. METHODS: Both structure and content of the modified exercise program (SMoC-wrist) are substantiated by recent scientific literature. RESULTS: A clear 4-level exercise model based on sensorimotor principles is presented, that is, proprioceptive level, conscious static/isometric level, conscious dynamic level, and unconscious dynamic level. The content of each level and the transition toward the next level are described in detail. DISCUSSION: Besides the substantiation of the exercise program, possible outcome measures for joint position sense and kinesthesia of the wrist are discussed. CONCLUSION: We modified and substantiated a widely used exercise program for patients with nonspecific chronic wrist pain based on recent insights into sensorimotor control principles and wrist kinematics. The presented exercise program (SMoC-wrist) is not primarily focused on reducing pain but on functional reeducation and strengthening of the neuromusculoskeletal system on the basis of sensorimotor control principles.

Rationale and design of the ARCUS: Effects of trAnsRadial perCUtaneouS coronary intervention on upper extremity function.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide a complete insight in the access-site morbidity and upper extremity function after Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (TR-PCI). BACKGROUND: In percutaneous coronary intervention the Transradial Approach (TRA) is gaining popularity as a default technique. It is a very promising technique with respect to post-procedure complications, but the exact effects of TRA on upper extremity function are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of trAnsRadial perCUtaneouS coronary intervention on upper extremity function (ARCUS) trial is a multicenter prospective cohort study that will be conducted in all patients admitted for TR-PCI. Clinical outcomes will be monitored during a follow-up of 6 months, with its primary endpoint at two weeks of follow-up. To investigate the complete upper extremity function, a combination of physical examinations and validated questionnaires will be used to provide information on anatomical integrity, strength, range of motion (ROM), coordination, sensibility, pain, and functioning in everyday life. Procedural and material specifications will be registered in order to include all possible aspects influencing upper extremity function. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study will elucidate the effect of TR-PCI on upper extremity function. This creates the opportunity to further optimize TR-PCI, to make improvements in functional outcome and to prevent morbidity regarding full upper extremity function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Instruments for assessment of impairments and activity limitations in patients with hand conditions: A European Delphi study.

OBJECTIVE: To reach multidisciplinary European consensus on the assessment tools for impairments and activity limitations in patients with hand conditions. DESIGN: Electronic Delphi method. SUBJECTS: Thirty experts from European societies for hand therapy, hand surgery, and physical and rehabilitation medicine. METHODS: In 3 rounds, participants were asked which of 13 preselected categories of the Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions should be assessed. In addition, they were asked to choose which of 55 preselected instruments they preferred for each category by confirming or rejecting instrument-specific statements. RESULTS: All 13 preselected ICF categories were considered relevant. Consensus was based on ≥ 75% agreement. After 3 rounds, 9 instruments were selected: Shape Texture Identification Test, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, goniometer, Jamar Dynamometer, Pinch Gauge Device, Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity questionnaire, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire. It remained undecided whether to use the Nine-Hole Pegboard Test or the Purdue Pegboard Test. CONCLUSION: In this European Delphi study, multidisciplinary consensus was reached on 9 assessment tools for impairments and activity limitations in patients with hand conditions addressing 13 categories of the Brief ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions.

Current evidence for effectiveness of interventions for cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, instability, or bursitis of the elbow: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of interventions for 4 nontraumatic painful disorders sharing the anatomic region of the elbow: cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, elbow instability, and olecranon bursitis. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, PEDro, and CINAHL were searched to identify relevant reviews and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the methodology. A best-evidence synthesis was used to summarize the results. RESULTS: One systematic review and 6 RCTs were included. For the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (1 review, 3 RCTs), comparing simple decompression with anterior ulnar nerve transposition, no evidence was found in favor of either one of these. Limited evidence was found in favor of medial epicondylectomy versus anterior transposition and for early postoperative therapy versus immobilization. No evidence was found for the effect of local steroid injection in addition to splinting. No RCTs were found for radial tunnel syndrome. For olecranon bursitis (1 RCT), limited evidence for effectiveness was found for methylprednisolone acetate injection plus naproxen. Concerning elbow instability, including 2 RCTs, one showed that nonsurgical treatment resulted in similar results compared with surgery, whereas the other found limited evidence for the effectiveness in favor of early mobilization versus 3 weeks of immobilization after surgery. DISCUSSION: In this review no, or at best, limited evidence was found for the effectiveness of nonsurgical and surgical interventions to treat painful cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, elbow instability, or olecranon bursitis. Well-designed and well-conducted RCTs are clearly needed in this field.

Decompressive surgery for treating nerve damage in leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy causes nerve damage which may result in nerve function impairment and disability. Decompressive surgery is used for treating nerve damage, although the effect is uncertain. This is an update of a review first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2010. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of decompressive surgery on nerve damage in leprosy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (15 October 2012), CENTRAL (2012, Issue 9 in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2012), EMBASE (January 1980 to October 2012), AMED (January 1985 to October 2012), CINAHL Plus (January 1937 to October 2012) and LILACS (from January 1982 to October 2012). We checked reference lists of the studies identified, the Current Controlled Trials Register (www.controlled-trials.com) (1 November 2012), conference proceedings and contacted trial authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of decompressive surgery for nerve damage in leprosy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was improvement in sensory and motor nerve function after one year. Secondary outcomes were improvement in nerve function after two years, change in nerve pain and tenderness, and adverse events. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. We contacted trial authors for additional information. We collected adverse effects information from the trials and non-randomised studies. MAIN RESULTS: We included two RCTs involving 88 participants. The trials were at high risk of bias. The trials examined the added benefit of surgery over prednisolone for treatment of nerve damage of less than six months duration. After two years' follow-up there was only very low quality evidence of no significant difference in nerve function improvement between participants treated with surgery plus prednisolone or with prednisolone alone. Adverse effects of decompressive surgery were not adequately described. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Decompressive surgery is used for treating nerve damage in leprosy but the available evidence from RCTs is of very low quality and does not show a significant added benefit of surgery over steroid treatment alone. Well-designed RCTs are needed to establish the effectiveness of the combination of surgery and medical treatment compared to medical treatment alone.

Ultrasonographic assessment of flexor tendon mobilization: effect of different protocols on tendon excursion.

BACKGROUND: Different mobilization protocols have been proposed for rehabilitation after hand flexor tendon repair to provide tendon excursion sufficient to prevent adhesions. Several cadaver studies have shown that the position of the neighboring fingers influences tendon excursions of the injured finger. We hypothesized that the positions of adjacent fingers influence the long finger flexor digitorum profundus tendon excursion, measured both absolutely and relative to the surrounding tissue of the tendon. METHODS: Long finger flexor digitorum profundus tendon excursions and surrounding tissue movement were measured in zone V in eleven healthy subjects during three different rehabilitation protocols and two experimental models: (1) an active four-finger mobilization protocol, (2) a passive four-finger mobilization protocol, (3) a modified Kleinert mobilization protocol, (4) an experimental modified Kleinert flexion mobilization model, and (5) an experimental modified Kleinert extension mobilization model. Tendon excursions were measured with use of a frame-to-frame analysis of high-resolution ultrasound images. RESULTS: The median absolute long finger flexor digitorum profundus tendon excursions were 23.4, 17.8, 10.0, 13.9, and 7.6 mm for the active four-finger mobilization protocol, the passive four-finger mobilization protocol, the modified Kleinert mobilization protocol, the experimental modified Kleinert flexion mobilization model, and the experimental modified Kleinert extension mobilization model, respectively, and these differences were all significant (p ≤ 0.041). The corresponding relative flexor digitorum profundus tendon excursions were 11.2, 8.5, 7.2, 10.4, and 5.6 mm. Active four-finger mobilization protocol excursions were significantly (p = 0.013) greater than passive four-finger mobilization protocol excursions but were not significantly greater than experimental modified Kleinert flexion mobilization model excursions (p =0.213). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated large and significant differences among the different rehabilitation protocols and experimental models in terms of absolute and relative tendon displacement. More importantly, the present study clearly demonstrated the influence of the position of the adjacent fingers on the flexor tendon displacement of the finger that is mobilized.

Three cases of referred sensation in traumatic nerve injury of the hand: implications for understanding central nervous system reorganization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this observational study was to explore whether patients with traumatic peripheral nerve injury of the hand perceive referred sensations; sensations that are perceived to emanate from other areas of the body than the part being stimulated. Referred sensations have been reported following amputation, somatosensory deafferentation, local anaesthesia, stroke, brachial plexus avulsion injury, spinal cord injury and complex regional pain syndrome type 1. DESIGN: Ten patients with ulnar or median nerve injuries underwent sensory testing of the face, upper body and legs, involving light touch with a cotton swab. Patients were asked to describe the location of the stimulated site, the sensations emanating from it and any other sensations experienced. Three patients with referred sensations were identified and followed over a period of time. RESULTS: Clear and reproducible referred sensations were found in 3 out of 10 patients examined. CONCLUSION: Referred sensations were found in traumatic nerve injury, providing evidence of reorganization of the central nervous system after peripheral injury.

Early active motion versus immobilization after tendon transfer for foot drop deformity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Immobilization after tendon transfers has been the conventional postoperative management. Several recent studies suggest early mobilization does not increase tendon pullout. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To confirm those studies we determined whether when compared with immobilization early active mobilization after a tendon transfer for foot-drop correction would (1) have a similar low rate of tendon insertion pullout, (2) reduce rehabilitation time, and (3) result in similar functional outcomes (active ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, ROM, walking ability, Stanmore score, and resolution of functional problems. METHODS: We randomized 24 patients with surgically corrected foot-drop deformities to postoperative treatment with early mobilization with active motion at 5 days (n = 13) or 4 weeks of immobilization with active motion at 29 days (n = 11). In both groups, the tibialis posterior tendon was transferred to the extensor hallucis longus and extensors digitorum communis for foot-drop correction. Rehabilitation time was defined as the time from surgery until discharge from rehabilitation with independent walking. The minimum followup was 16 months (mean, 19 months; range, 16-38 months) in both groups. RESULTS: We observed no case of tendon pullout in either group. Rehabilitation time in the mobilized group was reduced by an average of 15 days. The various functional outcomes were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with Hansen's disease, an early active mobilization protocol for foot-drop correction has no added risk of tendon pullout and provides similar functional outcomes compared with immobilization. Early mobilization had the advantage of earlier restoration of independent walking. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Ultrasonographic assessment of long finger tendon excursion in zone v during passive and active tendon gliding exercises.

PURPOSE: Cadaver and in vivo studies report variable results for tendon excursion during active and passive hand movements. The purpose of this study was to measure long finger flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon excursion during active and passive movement using high-resolution ultrasound images. METHODS: The FDP tendon excursion was measured at the wrist level in 10 healthy subjects during full tip-to-palm active and passive flexion of the fingers. Passive movement was performed 2 ways: (1) straight to full fist: passive flexion starting at the metacarpophalangeal joint, followed by proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joint flexion; and (2) hook to full fist: passive flexion starting at the distal interphalangeal joint, followed by proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion. Tendon excursion was measured using an in-house-developed, frame-to-frame analysis of high-resolution ultrasound images. RESULTS: Median FDP excursion was 24.3 mm, 14.0 mm, and 13.6 mm for active fist, straight to full fist, and hook to full fist movements, respectively. Tendon excursions during active movements was significantly larger than excursions during passive movements (p = .005). The adjusted median tendon excursion was 12.7 mm/100 degrees , 7.5 mm/100 degrees , and 7.4 mm/100 degrees for active fist, straight to full fist, and hook to full fist movements, respectively. Adjusted tendon excursions during active movement were significantly larger than those achieved during passive straight to full fist movement). Adjusted tendon excursions during straight to full fist movements were significantly larger than those achieved during passive hook to full fist movement. CONCLUSIONS: Active motion produced 74% and 79% increases in excursions compared to both passive motions in healthy controls. The study results can serve as a reference for evaluating excursions in patients with tendon pathology, including those who have had tendon repair and reconstruction.

Early postoperative active mobilisation versus immobilisation following tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot-drop correction in patients with Hansen's disease.

After tibialis posterior tendon transfer surgery for foot-drop correction, the foot is traditionally immobilised for several weeks. To test the feasibility of early mobilisation after this procedure in patients with Hansen's disease, 21 consecutive patients received active mobilisation of the transfer starting on the 5th postoperative day. Transfer insertion strength was enhanced by Pulvertaft weave. The results were compared with a historical cohort of 21 patients receiving 4 weeks of immobilisation. The primary outcomes were active dorsiflexion, active plantar flexion and total active motion at the ankle, tendon-insertion pullout and time until discharge from rehabilitation with independent walking without aid. Assessments at discharge from rehabilitation and the last clinical follow-up at more than 1 year were compared between both groups. The Student's t-test was used to compare data between the groups, and 95% confidence interval of the difference between groups was determined. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The average follow-up was 22 months for both groups. There was no incidence of insertion pullout of the tendon transfer in either group. In addition, there was no difference in active dorsiflexion angle between the groups at discharge (mean difference: 2.2 degrees, p=0.22) and final assessment (mean difference: 2.3 degrees, p=0.42). The plantar flexion angles were similar in both groups at discharge (mean difference: 0.5 degrees, p=0.86) and final assessment (mean difference: 0.5 degrees, p=0.57). In addition, there was no difference in total active motion between the groups at discharge (mean difference: 2 degrees, p=0.54) and final assessment (mean difference: 1 degrees, p=0.49). The patients were discharged from rehabilitation with independent walking at 44.04+/-7.9 days after surgery in the mobilisation group compared to 57.07+/-2.3 days in the immobilisation group. This indicates a significant difference in morbidity (mean difference: 13 days, p<0.001) between the two groups. In summary, this feasibility study indicates that early active mobilisation of tibialis posterior transfer in patients with Hansen's disease is safe and has similar outcomes to immobilisation with a reduced time to independent walking, warranting the design of a controlled clinical trial to further substantiate this.

Palmar abduction measurements: reliability and introduction of normative data in healthy children.

PURPOSE: Previously, we studied normative and reliability data of palmar thumb abduction measurements (conventional goniometry, the Pollexograph thumb, the Pollexograph metacarpal, the Inter Metacarpal Distance, the American Society of Hand Therapists method, and the American Medical Association method) in healthy adults. Because many interventions aiming to improve palmar abduction are performed at an early age, the goal of this study was to assess normative and reliability data of these measurement methods in children. METHODS: We performed measurements with the Pollexograph thumb, the Pollexograph metacarpal and Inter Metacarpal Distance in 100 healthy children to acquire normative data. A retest was performed in 63 children to assess intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: Mean active and passive palmar abduction measured with the Pollexograph thumb was 62 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 76 degrees). The range of motion of the Pollexograph metacarpal was smaller (mean 49 degrees, range, 32 degrees to 64 degrees). The mean Inter Metacarpal Distance was 50 mm (range, 36-70 mm). Intraclass correlation coefficients of the Pollexograph thumb, Pollexograph metacarpal, and Inter Metacarpal Distance indicated excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.85 and 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Normative Pollexograph thumb and Pollexograph metacarpal data showed that means measured in children are comparable to values found in healthy adults. Reliability data indicated that the Pollexograph thumb, the Pollexograph metacarpal, and Inter Metacarpal Distance are also reliable measurement methods in children.

Decompressive surgery for treating nerve damage in leprosy. A Cochrane review.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive surgery is used for treating nerve damage in leprosy. We assessed the effectiveness of decompressive surgery for patients with nerve damage due to leprosy. METHODS: A broad search strategy was performed to find eligible studies, selecting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing decompressive surgery alone or plus corticosteroids with corticosteroids alone, placebo or no treatment. Two authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. Where it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis, the data for each trial was summarised. RESULTS: We included two randomised controlled trials involving 88 people. The trials examined the added benefit of surgery over prednisolone for treatment of nerve damage of less than 6 months duration. After 2 years follow-up there was no significant difference in nerve function improvement between people treated with surgery plus prednisolone or with prednisolone alone. Adverse effects of decompression surgery were not adequately described. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from randomised controlled trials does not show a significant added benefit of surgery over steroid treatment alone. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of the combination of surgery and medical treatment compared to medical treatment alone.

A randomized clinical trial comparing immediate active motion with immobilization after tendon transfer for claw deformity.

PURPOSE: Immobilization after tendon transfers has been the conventional postoperative management. A recent study indicated beneficial effects of an immediate active motion protocol (IAMP) after tendon transfer for claw deformity correction compared with effects in a historical cohort. In this study, we further tested this hypothesis in a randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of the IAMP with that of conventional immobilization. METHODS: Fifty supple claw hand deformities were randomized postoperatively into 2 equal groups for IAMP and immobilization. Therapy began on the second postoperative day for the IAMP group and on the twenty-second postoperative day for the immobilization group. The primary outcome measures were deformity correction, active range of motion of digits, tendon transfer insertion pullout, and time until discharge from rehabilitation. Secondary outcome measures were swelling, pain, hand strength, and dexterity. Both groups were compared at discharge from rehabilitation and at the last clinical follow-up (at least 1 year postoperatively). RESULTS: Assessments were available for all 50 patients at discharge and for 23 patients in each group at follow-up. The average follow-up was 18 months for the IAMP group and 17 months for the immobilization group. Deformity correction, range of motion, swelling, dexterity, and hand strength were similar for both groups at discharge and a follow-up. There was no evidence of tendon insertion pullout in any patient of either group. Relief of pain was achieved significantly earlier with IAMP. Morbidity was reduced by, on average, 22 days with IAMP. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the immediate active motion protocol is safe and has similar outcomes compared with those of immobilization, with the added advantage of earlier pain relief and quicker restoration of hand function. Immediate motion after tendon transfer can significantly reduce morbidity and speed up the rehabilitation of paralytic limbs, and it may save expense for the patients.

The hypothesis of overwork weakness in Charcot-Marie-Tooth: a critical evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that the non-dominant hand of patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is stronger than the dominant hand as a result of overwork weakness. The objective of this study was to determine if this hypothesis could be verified in our population. DESIGN: Survey. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type I or II from a rehabilitation department of a university hospital in the Netherlands. METHODS: The strength of 3 intrinsic muscle groups of the dominant and non-dominant hand were determined using the Medical Research Council scale and the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer. Furthermore, grip strength, pinch and key grip strength were measured. RESULTS: We found no differences in muscle strength for the dominant and non-dominant hand, except for a stronger key grip strength of the dominant hand in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type II. CONCLUSION: In our population, the dominant hand of patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type I and II was equally strong as the non-dominant hand, suggesting that there is no presence of overwork weakness in the dominant hand in our group of patients. This implies that patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease do not have to limit the use of their hands in daily life in order to prevent muscle strength loss.

Decompressive surgery for treating nerve damage in leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy causes nerve damage which may result in nerve function impairment and disability. Decompressive surgery is used for treating nerve damage, although the effect is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of decompressive surgery on nerve damage in leprosy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register (November 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2007), MEDLINE (from January 1950 to November 2007), EMBASE (from January 1980 to November 2007), AMED (from January 1985 to November 2007), CINAHL (from January 1982 to November 2007) and LILACS (from January 1982 to November 2007) in November 2007. We checked reference lists of the studies identified, the Current Controlled Trials Register (www.controlled-trials.com), conference proceedings and contacted trial authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of decompressive surgery for nerve damage in leprosy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was improvement in sensory and motor nerve function after one year. Secondary outcomes were improvement in nerve function after two years, change in nerve pain and tenderness, and adverse events. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. We contacted trial authors for additional information. We collected adverse effects information from the trials and non-randomised studies. MAIN RESULTS: We included two randomised controlled trials involving 88 people. The trials examined the added benefit of surgery over prednisolone for treatment of nerve damage of less than six months duration. After two years follow-up there was no significant difference in nerve function improvement between people treated with surgery plus prednisolone or with prednisolone alone. Adverse effects of decompressive surgery were not adequately described. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Decompressive surgery is used for treating nerve damage in leprosy but evidence from randomised controlled trials does not show a significant added benefit of surgery over steroid treatment alone. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of the combination of surgery and medical treatment compared to medical treatment alone.

Reliability of hand strength measurements using the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer in children.

PURPOSE: Grip strength and pinch strength measurements are often used to assess hand function. However, both measure a number of muscle groups in combination, and grip strength in particular is dominated by extrinsic hand muscles. The Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer (RIHM) was recently introduced to measure the force that individual fingers and thumb can exert in different directions. The aim of this study was to establish the reliability of these measurements with use of the RIHM in children. METHODS: Sixty-three healthy children between 4 and 12 years of age participated in this study. The RIHM was used to measure thumb palmar abduction, thumb opposition, thumb flexion at the metacarpal-phalangeal (MP) joint, index finger abduction, and little finger abduction. A retest was performed with an average test-retest interval of 26 days. RESULTS: For the thumb, palmar abduction strength had intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of .98 for both hands. For both thumb opposition and flexion at the MP joint, ICCs were .97 for the dominant hands and .98 for the nondominant hands. Index finger abduction had ICCs of .94 and .95 and little finger abduction had ICCs of .90 and .92 for the dominant and nondominant hands, respectively. The smallest detectable differences for dominant and nondominant hands respectively were thumb palmar abduction, 15% and 15%; thumb opposition, 12% and 9%; thumb flexion (at the MP joint), 12% and 9%; abduction of the index finger, 17% and 17%; and little finger abduction, 26% and 26%. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the RIHM was reliable for use in children. Intraclass correlation coefficients and smallest detectable differences were comparable with those obtained with use of the RIHM in adults and with values found for pinch and grip strength in children. Because the RIHM measures more specific aspects of hand function than grip and pinch, adding the RIHM to measurement protocols may contribute to a more complete overview of a child's hand function.