Xin Ju Hou, Ying Jing Ng, Qing Ying Yu, Xing Zhen Lin, Ray P S Han
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Finger joint stiffness is a common post-treatment complication in patients with upper limb fractures that lowers their quality of life. Physiotherapy is the standard of care for functional restoration in patients with finger joint stiffness. However, in adult patients, physiotherapy alone is not always sufficient to restore joint function. In this study, we report the efficacy of ultrasound-guided capsular hydrodilatation in adult patients with post-trauma finger joint stiffness that did not improve after ≥ 2 weeks of conventional physiotherapy.
Methods: This prospective study included adult patients who developed finger joint stiffness after conservative treatment with plaster of Paris or open reduction and internal fixation for upper limb injuries between March 2023 and June 2024. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided hydrostatic separation of the finger joint capsules followed by conventional finger joint exercises. The outcomes of treatment were evaluated two weeks post-treatment.
Results: A total of 15 patients with an average age of 58.13 ± 17.64 years were included in this study. The mean pain score decreased from 6.4 ± 1.06 cm to 1.93 ± 0.70 cm respectively (p < 0.0001) at baseline and 2 weeks post-treatment. The median joint swelling score decreased from 2 at baseline to 0 at 2 weeks post-treatment (p < 0.0001). The active ranges of motion increased by 51 ± 4.48 degrees, 18.27 ± 4.62 degrees, and 29.73 ± 4.79 degrees for the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints, respectively. Similarly, the passive ranges of motion increased by 43.4 ± 4.72, 13.27 ± 5.73 degrees, and 26.73 ± 4.83 degrees for the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints, respectively.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided capsular hydrodilatation in combination with conventional finger joint exercises is an effective intervention for post-trauma finger joint stiffness that is refractory to conventional physiotherapy in adult patients. It is a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure that can rapidly reduce pain, and swelling, and restore finger joint function.
期刊介绍：
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research is an open access journal that encompasses all aspects of clinical and basic research studies related to musculoskeletal issues.
Orthopaedic research is conducted at clinical and basic science levels. With the advancement of new technologies and the increasing expectation and demand from doctors and patients, we are witnessing an enormous growth in clinical orthopaedic research, particularly in the fields of traumatology, spinal surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, musculoskeletal tumour management, hand microsurgery, foot and ankle surgery, paediatric orthopaedic, and orthopaedic rehabilitation. The involvement of basic science ranges from molecular, cellular, structural and functional perspectives to tissue engineering, gait analysis, automation and robotic surgery. Implant and biomaterial designs are new disciplines that complement clinical applications.
JOSR encourages the publication of multidisciplinary research with collaboration amongst clinicians and scientists from different disciplines, which will be the trend in the coming decades.
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