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The American Journal of Occupational... 2017Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity. It is imperative that... (Review)
Review
Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity. It is imperative that practitioners understand the most effective and efficient means for remediating impairments and supporting clients in progressing to independence in purposeful occupations. This systematic review provides an update to a previous review by summarizing articles published between 2006 and July 2014 related to the focused question, What is the evidence for the effect of occupational therapy interventions on functional outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal disorders of the forearm, wrist, and hand? A total of 59 articles were reviewed. Evidence for interventions was synthesized by condition within bone, joint, and general hand disorders; peripheral nerve disorders; and tendon disorders. The strongest evidence supports postsurgical early active motion protocols and splinting for various conditions. Very few studies have examined occupation-based interventions. Implications for occupational therapy practice and research are provided.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Dupuytren Contracture; Forearm; Hand; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Therapy; Orthopedic Procedures; Osteoarthritis; Radius Fractures; Splints; Tendinopathy; Tendon Transfer; Treatment Outcome; Trigger Finger Disorder; Wrist
PubMed: 28027038
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.023234 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older people with osteoporosis. There is considerable variation in the management, including... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older people with osteoporosis. There is considerable variation in the management, including rehabilitation, of these fractures. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002 and last updated in 2006.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the effects of rehabilitation interventions in adults with conservatively or surgically treated distal radial fractures.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014; Issue 12), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, OTseeker and other databases, trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. We did not apply any language restrictions. The date of the last search was 12 January 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs evaluating rehabilitation as part of the management of fractures of the distal radius sustained by adults. Rehabilitation interventions such as active and passive mobilisation exercises, and training for activities of daily living, could be used on their own or in combination, and be applied in various ways by various clinicians.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The review authors independently screened and selected trials, and reviewed eligible trials. We contacted study authors for additional information. We did not pool data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 26 trials, involving 1269 mainly female and older patients. With few exceptions, these studies did not include people with serious fracture or treatment-related complications, or older people with comorbidities and poor overall function that would have precluded trial participation or required more intensive treatment. Only four of the 23 comparisons covered by these 26 trials were evaluated by more than one trial. Participants of 15 trials were initially treated conservatively, involving plaster cast immobilisation. Initial treatment was surgery (external fixation or internal fixation) for all participants in five trials. Initial treatment was either surgery or plaster cast alone in six trials. Rehabilitation started during immobilisation in seven trials and after post-immobilisation in the other 19 trials. As well as being small, the majority of the included trials had methodological shortcomings and were at high risk of bias, usually related to lack of blinding, that could affect the validity of their findings. Based on GRADE criteria for assessment quality, we rated the evidence for each of the 23 comparisons as either low or very low quality; both ratings indicate considerable uncertainty in the findings.For interventions started during immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of improved hand function for hand therapy compared with instructions only at four days after plaster cast removal, with some beneficial effects continuing one month later (one trial, 17 participants). There was very low quality evidence of improved hand function in the short-term, but not in the longer-term (three months), for early occupational therapy (one trial, 40 participants), and of a lack of differences in outcome between supervised and unsupervised exercises (one trial, 96 participants).Four trials separately provided very low quality evidence of clinically marginal benefits of specific interventions applied in addition to standard care (therapist-applied programme of digit mobilisation during external fixation (22 participants); pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) during cast immobilisation (60 participants); cyclic pneumatic soft tissue compression using an inflatable cuff placed under the plaster cast (19 participants); and cross-education involving strength training of the non-fractured hand during cast immobilisation with or without surgical repair (39 participants)).For interventions started post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence from one study (47 participants) of improved function for a single session of physiotherapy, primarily advice and instructions for a home exercise programme, compared with 'no intervention' after cast removal. There was low quality evidence from four heterogeneous trials (30, 33, 66 and 75 participants) of a lack of clinically important differences in outcome in patients receiving routine physiotherapy or occupational therapy in addition to instructions for home exercises versus instructions for home exercises from a therapist. There was very low quality evidence of better short-term hand function in participants given physiotherapy than in those given either instructions for home exercises by a surgeon (16 participants, one trial) or a progressive home exercise programme (20 participants, one trial). Both trials (46 and 76 participants) comparing physiotherapy or occupational therapy versus a progressive home exercise programme after volar plate fixation provided low quality evidence in favour of a structured programme of home exercises preceded by instructions or coaching. One trial (63 participants) provided very low quality evidence of a short-term, but not persisting, benefit of accelerated compared with usual rehabilitation after volar plate fixation.For trials testing single interventions applied post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of no clinically significant differences in outcome in patients receiving passive mobilisation (69 participants, two trials), ice (83 participants, one trial), PEMF (83 participants, one trial), PEMF plus ice (39 participants, one trial), whirlpool immersion (24 participants, one trial), and dynamic extension splint for patients with wrist contracture (40 participants, one trial), compared with no intervention. This finding applied also to the trial (44 participants) comparing PEMF versus ice, and the trial (29 participants) comparing manual oedema mobilisation versus traditional oedema treatment. There was very low quality evidence from single trials of a short-term benefit of continuous passive motion post-external fixation (seven participants), intermittent pneumatic compression (31 participants) and ultrasound (38 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence from RCTs is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius. Further randomised trials are warranted. However, in order to optimise research effort and engender the large multicentre randomised trials that are required to inform practice, these should be preceded by research that aims to identify priority questions.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Male; Physical Therapy Modalities; Radius Fractures; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 26403335
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003324.pub3 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Jul 2018The loss of range of motion (ROM) in the upper extremities can interfere with activities of daily living (ADL) and, therefore, many interventions focus on improving... (Review)
Review
The loss of range of motion (ROM) in the upper extremities can interfere with activities of daily living (ADL) and, therefore, many interventions focus on improving impaired ROM. The question, however, is what joint angles are needed to naturally perform ADL. The present review aimed to compile and synthesize data from literature on shoulder and elbow angles that unimpaired participants used when performing ADL tasks. A search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, and PEDro. Studies were eligible when shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) and/or elbow (flexion, extension) angles were measured in unimpaired participants who were naturally performing ADL tasks, and angles were provided per task. Thirty-six studies involving a total of 66 ADL tasks were included. Results demonstrated that unimpaired participants used up to full elbow flexion (150°) in personal care, eating, and drinking tasks. For shoulder flexion and abduction approximately 130° was necessary. Specific ADL tasks were measured often, however, almost never for tasks such as dressing. The synthesized information can be used to interpret impairments on the individual level and to establish rehabilitation goals in terms of function and prevention of secondary conditions due to excessive use of compensatory movements.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Biomechanical Phenomena; Child; Child, Preschool; Elbow Joint; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Range of Motion, Articular; Self Care; Sex Factors; Shoulder Joint; Young Adult
PubMed: 29377745
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2017.1422206 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2017Skeletal muscle spasticity is a major physical complication resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to muscle contracture, joint stiffness, reduced... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Skeletal muscle spasticity is a major physical complication resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to muscle contracture, joint stiffness, reduced range of movement, broken skin and pain. Treatments for spasticity include a range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, often used in combination. Management of spasticity following TBI varies from other clinical populations because of the added complexity of behavioural and cognitive issues associated with TBI.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of interventions for managing skeletal muscle spasticity in people with TBI.
SEARCH METHODS
In June 2017, we searched key databases including the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and others, in addition to clinical trials registries and the reference lists of included studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cross-over RCTs evaluating any intervention for the management of spasticity in TBI. Only studies where at least 50% of participants had a TBI (or for whom separate data for participants with TBI were available) were included. The primary outcomes were spasticity and adverse effects. Secondary outcome measures were classified according to the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health including body functions (sensory, pain, neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions) and activities and participation (general tasks and demands; mobility; self-care; domestic life; major life areas; community, social and civic life).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Data were synthesised narratively; meta-analysis was precluded due to the paucity and heterogeneity of data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included nine studies in this review which involved 134 participants with TBI. Only five studies reported between-group differences, yielding outcome data for 105 participants with TBI. These five studies assessed the effects of a range of pharmacological (baclofen, botulinum toxin A) and non-pharmacological (casting, physiotherapy, splints, tilt table standing and electrical stimulation) interventions, often in combination. The studies which tested the effect of baclofen and tizanidine did not report their results adequately. Where outcome data were available, spasticity and adverse events were reported, in addition to some secondary outcome measures.Of the five studies with results, three were funded by governments, charities or health services and two were funded by a pharmaceutical or medical technology company. The four studies without useable results were funded by pharmaceutical or medical technology companies.It was difficult to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions due to poor reporting, small study size and the fact that participants with TBI were usually only a proportion of the overall total. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to the paucity of data and heterogeneity of interventions and comparator groups. Some studies concluded that the intervention they tested had beneficial effects on spasticity, and others found no difference between certain treatments. The most common adverse event was minor skin damage in people who received casting. We believe it would be misleading to provide any further description of study results given the quality of the evidence was very low for all outcomes.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The very low quality and limited amount of evidence about the management of spasticity in people with TBI means that we are uncertain about the effectiveness or harms of these interventions. Well-designed and adequately powered studies using functional outcome measures to test the interventions used in clinical practice are needed.
Topics: Baclofen; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Casts, Surgical; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Head-Down Tilt; Humans; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Muscle Spasticity; Neuromuscular Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29165784
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008929.pub2 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Apr 2017Is stretch effective for the treatment and prevention of contractures in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
QUESTION
Is stretch effective for the treatment and prevention of contractures in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions?
DESIGN
A Cochrane Systematic Review with meta-analyses of randomised trials.
PARTICIPANTS
People with or at risk of contractures.
INTERVENTION
Trials were considered for inclusion if they compared stretch to no stretch, or stretch plus co-intervention to co-intervention only. The stretch could be administered in any way.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The outcome of interest was joint mobility. Two sets of meta-analyses were conducted with a random-effects model: one for people with neurological conditions and the other for people with non-neurological conditions. The quality of evidence supporting the results of the two sets of meta-analyses was assessed using GRADE.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies involving 549 participants examined the effectiveness of stretch in people with neurological conditions, and provided useable data. The pooled mean difference was 2 deg (95% CI 0 to 3) favouring stretch. This was equivalent to a relative change of 2% (95% CI 0 to 3). Eighteen studies involving 865 participants examined the effectiveness of stretch in people with non-neurological conditions, and provided useable data. The pooled standardised mean difference was 0.2 SD (95% CI 0 to 0.3) favouring stretch. This translated to an absolute mean increase of 1 deg (95% CI 0 to 2) and a relative change of 1% (95% CI 0 to 2). The GRADE level of evidence was high for both sets of meta-analyses.
CONCLUSION
Stretch does not have clinically important effects on joint mobility. [Harvey LA, Katalinic OM, Herbert RD, Moseley AM, Lannin NA, Schurr K (2017) Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contracture: an abridged republication of a Cochrane Systematic Review. Journal of Physiotherapy 63: 67-75].
Topics: Contracture; Humans; Muscle Spasticity; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 28433236
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2017.02.014 -
Reumatologia Clinica May 2023Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVRD) is a systemic immune-mediated complication that occurs in approximately half of the patients undergoing allogeneic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVRD) is a systemic immune-mediated complication that occurs in approximately half of the patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and, although it is associated with beneficial graft versus tumour effects and lower relapse rates, it remains the leading cause of late morbidity and mortality in these patients. The aim of this systematic review of the literature is to provide a current overview on the diagnostic musculoskeletal manifestations of cGVRD, its clinical evaluation, and therapeutic possibilities.
METHODS
We ran a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies from the last 20 years were included. Priority was given to cross-sectional studies to evaluate diagnostic methods and to clinical trials in the case of articles referring to treatment. The search was limited to humans and articles published in English or Spanish.
RESULTS
We identified 6423 studies, of which we selected 86 (37 on clinical and diagnostic evaluation and 49 on treatments). Specific studies on fascial and joint complications are scarce and of low quality, including only isolated clinical cases or case series. Fasciitis is the most relevant musculoskeletal manifestation, and isolated joint involvement is low, sometimes unnoticed and underdiagnosed, if a thorough exploration of joint motion is not performed. Early detection of cGVRD with fascial and/or joint involvement requires careful and repeated evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS
The search for new biomarkers or advanced imaging techniques that allow early diagnosis is necessary. Physiotherapy is essential to improve functionality and prevent disease progression. Controlled studies are needed to establish recommendations on second lines of treatment. Because of its multisystemic nature, cGVRD requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Topics: Humans; Graft vs Host Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 37087381
DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.04.001 -
The Bone & Joint Journal Sep 2018Dupuytren's contracture is a benign, myoproliferative condition affecting the palmar fascia that results in progressive contractures of the fingers. Despite increased... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Dupuytren's contracture is a benign, myoproliferative condition affecting the palmar fascia that results in progressive contractures of the fingers. Despite increased knowledge of the cellular and connective tissue changes involved, neither a cure nor an optimum form of treatment exists. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the best available evidence on the management of this condition.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive database search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed until August 2017. We studied RCTs comparing open fasciectomy with percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) with placebo, and CCH with PNA, in addition to adjuvant treatments aiming to improve the outcome of open fasciectomy. A total of 20 studies, involving 1584 patients, were included.
RESULTS
PNA tended to provide higher patient satisfaction with fewer adverse events, but had a higher rate of recurrence compared with limited fasciectomy. Although efficacious, treatment with CCH had notable recurrence rates and a high rate of transient adverse events. Recent comparative studies have shown no difference in clinical outcome between patients treated with PNA and those treated with CCH.
CONCLUSION
Currently there remains limited evidence to guide the management of patients with Dupuytren's contracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1138-45.
Topics: Dupuytren Contracture; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Microbial Collagenase; Orthopedic Procedures; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30168768
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.100B9.BJJ-2017-1194.R2 -
Hand (New York, N.Y.) Nov 2022With numerous treatment modalities available, it is unclear whether the treatment of recurrent Dupuytren disease is as effective as its initial treatment. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
With numerous treatment modalities available, it is unclear whether the treatment of recurrent Dupuytren disease is as effective as its initial treatment. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of management of recurrent Dupuytren contracture.
METHODS
Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to April 2020. Studies of patients aged above 18 years undergoing treatment for recurrent Dupuytren contractures were included. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions tool was used for quality assessment. The study was registered with Open Science Foundation.
RESULTS
A systematic review identified 12 studies: 311 patients with 224 affected digits-index (n = 5; 2.2%), long (n = 17; 7.6%), ring (n = 57; 25.4%), small (n = 112; 50%), and unspecified (n = 33; 14.7%); of these, there were 76 metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ; 45.5%), 90 proximal phalangeal joints (PIPJ; 53.9%), and 1 distal interphalangeal joint (0.6%). Previous treatment included the following: percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (n = 103 of 311 patients; 33.1%), collagenase clostridium histolyticum-injection (CCH; n = 75 of 311; 24.1%), limited fasciectomy (LF) ± skin graft (n = 83 of 311; 26.7%), fasciotomy (n = 1 of 311; 0.3%), and unspecified (n = 64 of 311; 20.6%). Recurrence was treated by percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (n = 68 of 311 patients; 21.9%); CCH injection (n = 53 of 311; 17.0%); aponeurotomy or dermofasciectomy or LF (n = 176 of 311; 56.6%); ray/digit amputation (n = 8 of 311; 2.6%); and PIPJ arthrodesis (n = 6 of 293; 2.0%). Range of motion was improved by 23.31° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.13°-33.50°; = 67%; = .05) and 15.49° (95% CI = 2.67°-28.31°; = 76%; = .01) for MCPJ and PIPJ, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low level of evidence that both surgical and nonsurgical treatments provide clinically important improvements for recurrent Dupuytren contracture.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Dupuytren Contracture; Microbial Collagenase; Treatment Outcome; Fasciotomy; Injections
PubMed: 33618538
DOI: 10.1177/1558944721994220 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Feb 2019The objective of this study was to analyze the literature regarding the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and prevalence of gluteal fibrosis (GF) and the outcomes of treatment.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to analyze the literature regarding the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and prevalence of gluteal fibrosis (GF) and the outcomes of treatment.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane literature databases, from database inception to December 15, 2016. We used the following search terms including variants: "contracture," "fibrosis," "injections," "injections, adverse reactions,' "gluteal," and "hip." All titles and abstracts of potentially relevant studies were scanned to determine whether the subject matter was potentially related to GF, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. If the abstract had subject matter involving GF, the paper was selected for review if full text was available. Only papers including ≥10 subjects who underwent surgical treatment were included in the systematic analysis. Data abstracted included the number of patients, patient age and sex, the type of surgical treatment, the method of outcome measurement, and outcomes and complications.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 2,512 titles. Of these, 82 had a focus on GF, with 50 papers meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the 50 papers reviewed, 18 addressed surgical outcomes. The surgical techniques in these papers included open, minimally invasive, and arthroscopic release and radiofrequency ablation. Of 3,733 operatively treated patients in 6 reports who were evaluated on the basis of the criteria of Liu et al., 83% were found to have excellent results. Few papers focused on the incidence, prevalence, and natural history of GF, precluding quantitative synthesis of the evidence in these domains.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided a systematic review of surgical outcomes and a summary of what has been reported on the prevalence, diagnosis, prognosis, and pathogenesis of GF. Although GF has been reported throughout the world, it requires further study to determine the exact etiology, pathogenesis, and appropriate treatment. Surgical outcomes appear satisfactory.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Adolescent; Buttocks; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fibrosis; Hip Contracture; Humans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30801376
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.17.01670 -
British Medical Bulletin Jun 2016In the last few years, the use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum for management of Dupuytren's contracture has increased. The procedure of enzymatic fasciectomy... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In the last few years, the use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum for management of Dupuytren's contracture has increased. The procedure of enzymatic fasciectomy has become popular because it is non-invasive, safe and fast to perform.
SOURCES OF DATA
A systematic search was performed on Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases using the combined keywords 'Dupuytren collagenase' and 'Dupuytren clostridium histolyticum'. Forty-three studies were identified. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Coleman Methodological Score.
AREAS OF AGREEMENT
The use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum provides better outcomes in patients with mild-moderate joint contracture, with lower complications and side effects than open fasciectomy. Manipulation can be performed 2-7 days after the injection. The use of collagenase is cost-effective.
AREAS OF CONTROVERSY
Most of the studies did not report patient-related outcomes. The role of dynamic splint has to be investigated with randomized clinical trials.
GROWING POINTS
The shorter recovery time and the low incidence of serious or major adverse effects are the main advantages of this new technology.
AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH
There is a need to perform studies with longer follow-up because the recurrence rate seems to increase with time. Further investigations are necessary to assess whether it is safe and effective to inject two or more cords at the same time.
Topics: Clostridium histolyticum; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dupuytren Contracture; Fasciotomy; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Microbial Collagenase; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27151958
DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldw020