RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Limitations to proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) motion can result in significant functional impairment for people with hand injuries and conditions. The role of orthotic intervention to improve PIPJ motion has been studied; however, high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses are lacking. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of orthotic intervention for restoring PIPJ extension/flexion following hand injuries or conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was completed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Central, and PEDro using terms related to orthoses, finger PIPJ range of motion, and randomized controlled trial design. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro score, study outcomes were pooled wherever possible using random effects meta-analysis, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: Twelve trials were included (PEDro score: 4-7/10). The addition of orthotic intervention was not more effective than hand therapy alone following Dupuytren's release for improving total active extension (mean difference [MD] -2.8°, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.6° to 4.0°, p = 0.84), total active flexion (MD -5.8°, 95% CI: -12.7° to 1.2°, p = 0.70), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores (MD 0.4, 95% CI: -2.7 to 3.6, p = 0.79), or patient satisfaction (standardized MD 0.20, 95% CI: -0.49 to 0.09, p = 0.17). Orthotic intervention was more effective than hand therapy alone for improving PIPJ extension for fixed flexion deformities following traumatic finger injury or surgery (MD -16.7°, 95% CI: -20.1° to -13.3°, p < 0.001). No studies evaluated orthotic intervention to improve PIPJ flexion. CONCLUSION: The addition of an extension orthosis following procedures to manage Dupuytren's contracture is no better than hand therapy alone for improving PIPJ extension. In contrast, the addition of a PIPJ extension orthosis in the presence of traumatic PIPJ fixed flexion deformities is more effective for improving PIPJ extension than hand therapy alone. Future studies are needed to evaluate the role of orthotic intervention for improving PIPJ flexion.
RESUMO
Background The results of Mathoulin's arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous reconstruction (ADCLR) are excellent in many patients with scapholunate instability, though less consistently good in higher grade instabilities. The purpose of this article is to describe a novel technique of volar scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) reconstruction which may be used to augment rotational control of the scaphoid, in conjunction with the ADCLR, for use in European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) grade IV/V instabilities. Description of Technique Following completion of ADCLR, the STT joint is approached through the flexor carpi radialis sheath. The palmaris longus tendon is harvested. Fluoroscopy is used to site guide wires for tunnel placement in the distal scaphoid and the proximal trapezium; 3.5-mm tunnels are overdrilled in both bones, to a depth of 8 mm. The palmaris graft is then anchored in the scaphoid tunnel with a mini-DX SwiveLock anchor. The graft is tensioned, then anchored in the trapezium tunnel with another anchor. Patients and Methods We retrospectively selected two young men heavy manual workers who had this procedure more than 12 months previously for scapholunate instability, with static radiographic abnormalities and a drive through sign (EWAS grade V). The patients were reviewed after 12 months, for assessment of visual analog scale, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, and patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation scores, range of motion, and grip strength. Results Both patients had marked improvements of wrist comfort and function at 1 year, and were able to return to their normal duties at work and complete all activities of daily living with minimal symptoms. Conclusion This volar STT reconstruction may expand the success of the Mathoulin's ADCLR into higher grade instabilities.