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The Journal of Hand Surgery, European... Feb 2015Dynamism of Dupuytren's contractures may occur if a contracture crosses over both the metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) and proximal interphalangeal (PIPJ) joints of one...
Dynamism of Dupuytren's contractures may occur if a contracture crosses over both the metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) and proximal interphalangeal (PIPJ) joints of one finger. In this situation the extension deficit at one joint can be influenced by the position of the other. This may affect clinical measurements and introduce errors and bias into research using angular deformity as an endpoint. This study reports the dynamism encountered when measuring passive joint extension deficits in pre-operative contractures. Eighty-five digits with a contracture affecting the PIPJ or MCPJ and PIPJ on 72 hands from 70 patients were studied. Seventy-six digits showed dynamism at either the MCPJ or PIPJ (89%). Seventy-four showed dynamism at the PIPJ (87%). The mean dynamism observed was 6° at the MCPJ and 14° at the PIPJ. Previous Dupuytren's surgery to the finger did not influence the amount of dynamism seen. Dynamism is common and may be a source of error or bias in trials of Dupuytren's disease treatment.
Topics: Aged; Arthrometry, Articular; Dupuytren Contracture; Female; Finger Joint; Humans; Male; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 24664160
DOI: 10.1177/1753193414529074 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Feb 2023Simple elbow dislocation occurs at an incidence of 2.9 to 5.21 dislocations per 100,000 person-years, with as many as 62% of these patients experiencing long-term elbow...
BACKGROUND
Simple elbow dislocation occurs at an incidence of 2.9 to 5.21 dislocations per 100,000 person-years, with as many as 62% of these patients experiencing long-term elbow joint contracture, stiffness, and/or pain. Poor outcomes and the need for secondary surgical intervention can often be prevented nonoperatively with early or immediate active mobilization and physical therapy. However, immobilization or limited mobilization may be necessary following trauma, and it is unknown how different periods of immobilization affect pathological changes in elbow joint tissue and how these changes relate to range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of varying the initiation of free mobilization on elbow ROM and histological features in an animal model of elbow posttraumatic joint contracture.
METHODS
Traumatic elbow dislocation was surgically induced unilaterally in rats. Injured forelimbs were immobilized in bandages for 3, 7, 14, or 21 days; free mobilization was then allowed until 42 days after injury. Post-mortem joint ROM testing and histological analysis were performed. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare ROM data between control and injured groups, and Pearson correlations were performed between ROM parameters and histological outcomes.
RESULTS
Longer immobilization periods resulted in greater ROM reductions. The anterior and posterior capsule showed increases in cellularity, fibroblasts, adhesions, fibrosis, and thickness, whereas the measured outcomes in cartilage were mostly unaffected. All measured histological characteristics of the capsule were negatively correlated with ROM, indicating that higher degrees of pathology corresponded with less ROM.
CONCLUSIONS
Longer immobilization periods resulted in greater ROM reductions, which correlated with worse histological outcomes in the capsule in an animal model of posttraumatic elbow contracture. The subtle differences in the timing of ROM and capsule tissue changes revealed in the present study provide new insight into the distinct timelines of biomechanical changes as well as regional tissue pathology.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This study showed that beginning active mobilization 3 days after injury minimized posttraumatic joint contracture, thereby supporting an immediate-motion clinical treatment strategy (when possible). Furthermore, uninjured but pathologically altered periarticular tissues near the injury location may contribute to more severe contracture during longer immobilization periods as the disease state progresses.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Elbow; Joint Dislocations; Contracture; Elbow Joint; Physical Therapy Modalities; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 36723466
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.22.00064 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Jul 2020During anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA), the anterior shoulder joint capsule (ASJC) is characterized grossly by...
BACKGROUND
During anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA), the anterior shoulder joint capsule (ASJC) is characterized grossly by contracture, synovitis, and fibrosis. In tissues that develop fibrosis, there is substantial cross-talk between macrophages, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts, modulated by calcium signaling and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel signaling. The purpose of this study was to compare and characterize the degree of synovitis, inflammatory infiltrate, and TRP channel expression in ASJC harvested from shoulders with and without primary GHOA.
METHODS
The ASJC was resected from patients undergoing TSA for primary GHOA or other diagnoses and compared with ASJC from cadaveric donors with no history of shoulder pathology. ASJC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry to characterize synovial lining and capsular inflammatory cell infiltrate and fibrosis, and to evaluate for expression of TRPA1, TRPV1, and TRPV4, known to be involved in fibrosis in other tissues. Blinded sections were evaluated by 3 graders using a semiquantitative scale; then results were compared between diagnosis groups using nonparametric methods.
RESULTS
Compared with normal control, the ASJC in primary GHOA had significantly increased synovitis, fibrosis, mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate including multiple macrophages subsets, and upregulation of TRP channel expression.
CONCLUSION
These data support the clinical findings of ASJC and synovial fibrosis in primary GHOA, identify a mixed inflammatory response, and identify dysregulation of TRP channels in the synovium and joint capsule. Further studies will identify the role of synovial and capsular fibrosis early in the development of GHOA.
Topics: Adult; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Shoulder; Contracture; Female; Fibrosis; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Joint Capsule; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Shoulder Joint; Synovial Membrane; Transient Receptor Potential Channels; Up-Regulation
PubMed: 32113865
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.11.013 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Jul 2024Axillary cicatricial contracture is a debilitating condition that can greatly impair shoulder joint function. Therefore, timely correction of this condition is...
BACKGROUND
Axillary cicatricial contracture is a debilitating condition that can greatly impair shoulder joint function. Therefore, timely correction of this condition is imperative. In light of Ogawa's prior classification of axillary cicatricial contracture deformities, we have proposed a novel classification system and reconstruction principles based on a decade of treatment experience. Our proposed system offers a more comprehensive approach to correcting axillary cicatricial contracture deformities and aims to improve patient outcomes.
METHODS
Our study included 196 patients with a total of 223 axillary cicatricial contracture deformities. The range of shoulder abduction varied between 10 and 120 degrees. Our treatment approach included various methods such as the lateral thoracic flap, transverse scapular artery flap, cervical superficial artery flap, medial upper arm flap, latissimus dorsi flap, Z-shape modification, and the use of local flaps combined with skin grafting. After 2 weeks, the sutures were removed, and patients were instructed to start functional exercises. To categorize the deformities, we divided them into 2 types: axillary-adjacent region cicatricial contracture (type I) and extended area contracture (type II).
RESULTS
For each subtype, a specific treatment method was chosen based on a designed algorithm decision tree. Out of the total cases, 133 patients underwent treatment with various types of local flaps, including Z-plasty, whereas 63 patients received treatment involving skin grafting and different types of local flaps. At the time of discharge, the abduction angle of the shoulder joint ranged from 80 to 120 degrees. Among the 131 patients who were followed up, 108 of them adhered to a regimen of horizontal bar exercises. After a 1-year follow-up period, the abduction angle of the shoulder joint had significantly improved to a range of 110-180 degrees.
CONCLUSIONS
We have proposed a novel classification method for the correction of axillary cicatricial contracture deformity. This approach involves utilizing distinct correction strategies, in conjunction with postoperative functional exercise, to ensure the effectiveness of axillary reconstruction.
Topics: Humans; Contracture; Cicatrix; Female; Adult; Male; Axilla; Middle Aged; Surgical Flaps; Adolescent; Young Adult; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder Joint; Child; Treatment Outcome; Aged
PubMed: 38864418
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004014 -
Burns : Journal of the International... Dec 2019Dissatisfaction is being voiced with the generally used way joint flexibility problems are defined (operationalised), i.e. as a range of motion (ROM) one or more degrees...
BACKGROUND
Dissatisfaction is being voiced with the generally used way joint flexibility problems are defined (operationalised), i.e. as a range of motion (ROM) one or more degrees lower than normative ROM of healthy subjects. Other, specifically more function-related operationalisations have been proposed. The current study evaluated the effect of applying different operationalisations of joint flexibility problems on its prevalence.
METHOD
ROM data of 95 joints affected by burns of 23 children were used, and data on 18 functional activities (Burn Outcome Questionnaire (BOQ)). Five methods were used to operationalise joint flexibility problems: (1) ROM below normative ROM, (2) ROM below normative ROM minus 1SD, (3) ROM below normative ROM minus 2SD, (4) ROM below functional ROM, and (5) a score of 2 or more on the Likert Scale (BOQ).
RESULTS
Prevalence of joint flexibility problems on a group level ranged from 13 to 100% depending on the operationalisation used. Per joint and movement direction, prevalence ranged from 40% to 100% (Method 1) and 0% to 80% (Methods 2-4). 18% of the children received '2' on the Likert Scale (Method 5).
CONCLUSION
The operationalisation of joint flexibility problems substantially influences prevalence, both on group and joint level. Changing to a function-related operationalisation seems valuable; however, international consensus is required regarding its adoption.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study is registered in the National Academic Research and Collaborations Information System of the Netherlands (OND1348800).
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Burns; Child; Child, Preschool; Cicatrix; Contracture; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Netherlands; Physical Functional Performance; Prevalence; Range of Motion, Articular; Reference Values
PubMed: 31679794
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2019.03.010 -
Journal of Burn Care & Research :... May 2022Burn scar contracture (BSC) is a common pathological outcome following burn injuries, leading to limitations in range of motion (ROM) of affected joints and impairment... (Review)
Review
Burn scar contracture (BSC) is a common pathological outcome following burn injuries, leading to limitations in range of motion (ROM) of affected joints and impairment in function. Despite a paucity of research addressing its efficacy, static splinting of affected joints is a common preventative practice. A survey of therapists performed 25 years ago showed a widely divergent practice of splinting during the acute burn injury. We undertook this study to determine the current practice of splinting during the index admission for burn injuries. This is a review of a subset of patients enrolled in the Burn Patient Acuity Demographics, Scar Contractures and Rehabilitation Treatment Related to Patient Outcome Study (ACT) database. ACT was an observational multicenter study conducted from 2010 to 2013. The most commonly splinted joints (elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle) and their seven motions were included. Variables included patients' demographics, burn variables, rehabilitation treatment, and hospital course details. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors related to splinting was performed. P < .05 was significant. Thirty percent of the study population (75 patients) underwent splinting during their hospitalization. Splinting was associated with larger burns and increased injury severity on the patient level and increased involvement with burns requiring grafting in the associated cutaneous functional unit (CFU) on the joint level. The requirement for skin grafting in both analyses remained independently related to splinting, with requirement for grafting in the associated CFU increasing the odds of splinting six times (OR = 6.0, 95% CI = 3.8-9.3, P < .001). On average, splinting was initiated about a third into the hospital length of stay (LOS, 35 ± 21% of LOS) and splints were worn for 50% (50 ± 26%) of the LOS. Joints were splinted for an average 15.1 ± 4.8 hours a day. The wrist was most frequently splinted joint being splinted with one third of wrists splinted (30.7%) while the knee was the least frequently splinted joint with 8.2% splinted. However, when splinted, the knee was splinted the most hours per day (17.6 ± 4.8 hours) and the ankle the least (14.4 ± 4.6 hours). Almost one third had splinting continued to discharge (20, 27%). The current practice of splinting, especially the initiation, hours of wear and duration of splinting following acute burn injury remains variable. Splinting is independently related to grafting, grafting in the joint CFU, larger CFU involvement and is more likely to occur around the time of surgery. A future study looking at splinting application and its outcomes is warranted.
Topics: Burns; Cicatrix; Contracture; Hospitalization; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Skin Transplantation
PubMed: 34490885
DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irab161 -
The Journal of the American Academy of... Feb 2021The ability to predict contracture development after elbow fracture would benefit patients and physicians. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the...
PURPOSE
The ability to predict contracture development after elbow fracture would benefit patients and physicians. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the development of posttraumatic elbow joint contracture.
METHODS
A retrospective review of elbow fractures (AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] type 13 and 21) treated at one institution between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Data collected included demographics, injury information, treatment, and postoperative elbow range of motion (ROM). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with contracture development. Notable contracture was defined as an arc of motion less than 100° flexion/extension, which has been associated with reduced ability to perform activities of daily living.
RESULTS
A total of 278 patients at least 1 8 years of age underwent surgical repair of an elbow fracture or fracture-dislocation during the study period and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Forty-two (15.1%) developed a clinically notable elbow contracture, of whom 29 (69.0%) developed heterotopic ossification (HO). Multivariate analysis of preoperative variables demonstrated that AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification (odds ratio [OR], 13.7, P = 0.025), multiple noncontiguous fractures (OR, 3.7, P = 0.010), and ulnohumeral dislocation at the time of injury (OR, 4.9, P = 0.005) were independently associated with contracture development. At 6 weeks postoperatively, an arc of elbow ROM less than 50° flexion/extension (OR, 23.0, P < 0.0005) and the presence of HO on radiographs (OR, 6.7, P < 0.0005) were found to be independent risk factors for significant elbow stiffness.
DISCUSSION
Ulnohumeral dislocation, multiple noncontiguous fractures, AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification, limited elbow ROM at 6 weeks postoperatively, and the presence of radiographic HO at 6 weeks postoperatively are associated with contracture development after surgical elbow fracture repair. Patients with these risk factors should receive aggressive physical therapy and be counseled as to the possible development of a contracture requiring surgical intervention.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Contracture; Elbow; Elbow Joint; Humans; Infant; Joint Dislocations; Range of Motion, Articular; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32618682
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-18-00801 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Research :... Mar 2020Joint stiffness due to fibrosis/capsule contracture is a seriously disabling complication of articular injury that surgical interventions often fail to completely...
Joint stiffness due to fibrosis/capsule contracture is a seriously disabling complication of articular injury that surgical interventions often fail to completely resolve. Fibrosis/contracture is associated with the abnormal persistence of myofibroblasts, which over-produce and contract collagen matrices. We hypothesized that intra-articular therapy with drugs targeting myofibroblast survival (sulfasalazine), or collagen production (β-aminopropionitrile and cis-hydroxyproline), would reduce joint stiffness in a rabbit model of fibrosis/contracture. Drugs were encapsulated in poly[lactic-co-glycolic] acid pellets and implanted in joints after fibrosis/contracture induction. Capsule α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and intimal thickness were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, respectively. Joint stiffness was quantified by flexion-extension testing. Drawer tests were employed to determine if the drugs induced cruciate ligament laxity. Joint capsule fibroblasts were tested in vitro for contractile activity and α-SMA expression. Stiffness in immobilized joints treated with blank pellets (control) was significantly higher than in non-immobilized, untreated joints (normal) (p = 0.0008), and higher than in immobilized joints treated with sulfasalazine (p = 0.0065). None of the drugs caused significant cruciate ligament laxity. Intimal thickness was significantly lower than control in the normal and sulfasalazine-treated groups (p = 0.010 and 0.025, respectively). Contractile activity in the cells from controls was significantly increased versus normal (p = 0.001). Sulfasalazine and β-aminopropionitrile significantly inhibited this effect (p = 0.005 and 0.0006, respectively). α-SMA expression was significantly higher in control versus normal (p = 0.0021) and versus sulfasalazine (p = 0.0007). These findings support the conclusion that sulfasalazine reduced stiffness by clearing myofibroblasts from fibrotic joints. Statement of clinical significance: The results provide proof-of-concept that established joint stiffness can be resolved non-surgically. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:629-638, 2020.
Topics: Aminopropionitrile; Animals; Collagen; Contracture; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Hydroxyproline; Joint Capsule; Joint Diseases; Male; Muscle Contraction; Myofibroblasts; Rabbits; Stress, Mechanical; Sulfasalazine
PubMed: 31692083
DOI: 10.1002/jor.24499 -
Journal of Hand Therapy : Official... 2015Shoulder joint deformities continue to be a challenging aspect of treating upper plexus lesions in children with perinatal brachial plexus palsy (PBPP). It is... (Review)
Review
Shoulder joint deformities continue to be a challenging aspect of treating upper plexus lesions in children with perinatal brachial plexus palsy (PBPP). It is increasingly recognized that PBPP affects the glenohumeral joint specifically, and that abnormal scapulothoracic movements are a compensatory development. The pathophysiology and assessment of glenohumeral joint contractures, the progression of scapular dyskinesia and skeletal dysplasia, and current shoulder imaging techniques are reviewed.
Topics: Adolescent; Birth Injuries; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Child; Child, Preschool; Contracture; Humans; Infant; Joint Deformities, Acquired; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder Joint
PubMed: 25835253
DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2014.12.001 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Jun 2023The primary objective of the review was to collate the available evidence on factors associated with joint contractures in adults.
PURPOSE
The primary objective of the review was to collate the available evidence on factors associated with joint contractures in adults.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and EMBASE. Studies that involved participants aged ≥18 and assessed joint contracture as a primary or secondary outcome were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies against the eligibility criteria, performed data extraction, and assessed the quality of evidence. A narrative synthesis by domain and sub-domain was undertaken. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO: CRD42019145079.
RESULTS
Forty-seven studies were included in the review. Identified factors were broadly classified into three major domains: sociodemographic factors, physical factors, and proxies for bed confinement. Sociodemographic factors were not associated with joint contractures. Functional ability, pain, muscle weakness, physical mobility, and bed confinement provided the most consistent evidence of association with joint contractures. The evidence regarding the relationship between spasticity and joint contractures remains unclear. Other factors might be important, but there was insufficient evidence to make inferences.
CONCLUSIONS
The review identified and collated evidence on factors associated with joint contractures, which can be utilised to develop effective prevention and management strategies. Implications for rehabilitationClinical interventions based on the timely identification of risks related to joint contractures in vulnerable adults have the potential to prevent or ameliorate their development or progression.Quality and consistency of care for vulnerable adults would be enhanced by developing effective joint contracture prevention and rehabilitation strategies based on the evidence presented in this review.As many vulnerable adults are located in the community or non-acute care settings, strategies should target these loci of care.Structured risk assessments that can support non-physiotherapy staff working in these loci of care to identify risks related to joint contractures would provide an important resource for risk management.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Contracture; Muscle Spasticity; Activities of Daily Living; Risk Assessment; Pain
PubMed: 35544581
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2071480