Effects of Modified Dynamic Metacarpophalangeal Joint Flexion Orthoses after Hand Burn

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of modified dynamic metacarpophalangeal joint flexion orthoses for treatment of post-burn hand contractures.MethodWe enrolled 42 hand burn patients with limited range of motion at the metacarpophalangeal joints in this study. The patients were randomly assigned into either a control or an orthotic group. Both groups received the standard rehabilitation therapy focused on hand therapy; 21 subjects in the orthotic group wore a splint for 3 hours per day for 8 weeks. Hand function was measured by active range of motion, grip strength and other assessment tools. All parameters were estimated using the Mann-Whitney U test at the beginning and the end of the treatment after 8 weeks.ResultsThe 21 subjects that had an orthotic intervention showed significant improvement in the range of motion at 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpophalangeal joints (p<0.05). However, the grip strength was not significantly increased after the 8 weeks of treatment compared to control group (p>0.05). There was a significant difference in the hand function scales between the 2 groups (p<0.05).ConclusionThe modified dynamic metacarpophalangeal joint flexion orthoses provide continuous flexion to metacarpophalangeal joint that is needed for the restoration of range of motion in post-burn hand contractures. For the clinical application of hand orthoses in patients with hand disorders, additional research into its affects are required.

Effects of a Modified Hand Compression Bandage for Treatment of Post-Burn Hand Edemas

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Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Burned Hands: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study

“…Despite rehabilitation of the burned hand, impaired hand function may remain [10]. Many interventions have been developed and tested for patients with burns; however, the strategies of hand rehabilitation remain controversial [11,12]. Recent studies have recommended repetitive exercises using virtual reality (VR) for functional recovery from upper extremity disorders [13,14] because the effectiveness of task-specific training improved when tasks were ordered in a random practice sequence using repetition and positive feedback.…”

“…Despite rehabilitation of the burned hand, impaired hand function may remain [10]. Many interventions have been developed and tested for patients with burns; however, the strategies of hand rehabilitation remain controversial [11,12].…”

The Application of Three-Dimensional Printed Finger Splints for Post Hand Burn Patients: A Case Series Investigation

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