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The Journal of Hand Surgery Jan 2023Patients with severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow frequently experience suboptimal surgical outcomes. Clinical symptoms alone may not accurately represent the severity...
PURPOSE
Patients with severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow frequently experience suboptimal surgical outcomes. Clinical symptoms alone may not accurately represent the severity of underlying nerve injury, calling for objective assessment tools, such as electrodiagnostic studies. The goal of our study was to determine whether specific electrodiagnostic parameters can be used to predict the outcomes after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve.
METHODS
This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Patients completed a baseline battery of motor, sensory, functional, and electrodiagnostic tests before undergoing in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve. They were reassessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Forty-two patients completed at least 2 follow-up assessments and were included in the study.
RESULTS
When controlling for other electrodiagnostic measurements and demographic factors, none of the electrodiagnostic parameters were predictive of outcomes at 12 months after surgery. Patients with decreased compound muscle action potential amplitudes demonstrated slower trends of recovery in grip strength, pinch strength, and overall scores on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire as well as its function, work, and activities of daily living subscales, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Decreased motor nerve conduction velocity was predictive of slower recovery of 2-point discrimination and pinch strength.
CONCLUSIONS
Compound muscle action potential amplitude, but not other conventional electrodiagnostic parameters, was predictive of functional outcomes after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve. This parameter should play a role in determining the timing and prognosis of treatment for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Prognostic II.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Ulnar Nerve; Activities of Daily Living; Prospective Studies; Ulnar Neuropathies; Decompression, Surgical
PubMed: 36371353
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.008 -
The Bone & Joint Journal Jan 2017We performed a systematic review of the current literature regarding the outcomes of unconstrained metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthroplasty. (Review)
Review
AIMS
We performed a systematic review of the current literature regarding the outcomes of unconstrained metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) arthroplasty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We initially identified 1305 studies, and 406 were found to be duplicates. After exclusion criteria were applied, seven studies were included. Outcomes extracted included pre- and post-operative pain visual analogue scores, range of movement (ROM), strength of pinch and grip, satisfaction and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Clinical and radiological complications were recorded. The results are presented in three groups based on the design of the arthroplasty and the aetiology (pyrocarbon-osteoarthritis (pyro-OA), pyrocarbon-inflammatory arthritis (pyro-IA), metal-on-polyethylene (MoP)).
RESULTS
Results show that pyrocarbon implants provide an 85% reduction in pain, 144% increase of pinch grip and 13° improvements in ROM for both OA and IA combined. Patients receiving MoP arthroplasties had a reduction in pinch strength. Satisfaction rates were 91% and 92% for pyrocarbon-OA and pyrocarbon-IA groups, respectively. There were nine failures in 87 joints (10.3%) over a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (1.0 to 14.3) for pyro-OA. There were 18 failures in 149 joints (12.1%) over a mean period of 6.6 years (1.0 to 16.0) for pyro-IA. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the studies and the limited presentation of data.
CONCLUSION
We would recommend prospective data collection for small joint arthroplasties of the hand consisting of PROMs that would allow clinicians to come to stronger conclusions about the impact on function of replacing the MCPJs. A national joint registry may be the best way to achieve this. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:100-6.
Topics: Arthroplasty; Carbon; Hand Strength; Humans; Metacarpophalangeal Joint; Musculoskeletal Pain; Osteoarthritis; Patient Satisfaction; Prospective Studies; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis Failure; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28053264
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.99B1.37237 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong... 2020Gripping and pinching a ball is a fundamentally important part of the kinetic chain for throwing baseball pitches of various types. This study of high school pitchers...
OBJECTIVE
Gripping and pinching a ball is a fundamentally important part of the kinetic chain for throwing baseball pitches of various types. This study of high school pitchers was conducted to assess the association between grip and pinch strength, the pitch type, and the history of elbow symptoms.
METHODS
We examined 133 high school baseball pitchers, all of whom had completed a self-administered questionnaire including items related to pitch type throwing ratios, the age at starting each pitch type, and throwing-related elbow joint pain sustained during the prior 3 years. We measured grip strength and the bilateral side tip, key, and palmar pinch strengths. Comparisons were made between the participants with and without an elbow symptom history to assess the grip and each pinch strength, throwing ratio of pitch type, and the age at starting to throw each pitch type.
RESULTS
Pitchers with an elbow symptom history exhibited less difference between the grip strength on the throwing side than those with no elbow symptom history ( = 0.04). No difference was found between participants with and without an elbow symptom history in terms of pinch strength, the throwing ratios of pitch types, or the age at starting to throw pitches of each type. Positive significant association was found between pinch strength on the pitching side and the forkball and screwball throwing ratio ( = 0.27, = 0.002).
CONCLUSION
Grip strength might influence high school baseball pitcher elbow conditions. The frequency of certain pitch types might develop pinch strength in high school baseball pitchers.
Topics: Adolescent; Arthralgia; Athletic Performance; Baseball; Biomechanical Phenomena; Elbow Joint; Hand Strength; Humans; Pinch Strength; Range of Motion, Articular; Schools; Youth Sports
PubMed: 31986969
DOI: 10.1177/2309499019890743 -
Indian Journal of Occupational and... 2021The repetitive and prolonged exertion of grip and pinch strength are current among carpet weaver tasks. The three objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the...
BACKGROUND
The repetitive and prolonged exertion of grip and pinch strength are current among carpet weaver tasks. The three objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and grip and pinch strength of carpet weavers in carpet weaving workshops in Kerman province, (2) to compare the grip and pinch strength of carpet weavers with normal values, and (3) to identify the relationship between hand postures of carpet weavers during work and force exertion.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, grip strength and key, tip and palmar pinch strengths of 101 female carpet weavers aged 20 to 71 years were measured in Kerman province, in 2018. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (Extended version) was also used to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders.
RESULTS
Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that participants who suffered from musculoskeletal disorders had lower grip and pinch strength than others and this decrease was statistically significant in upper back, wrists/hands, and knees. Moreover, there was a significant difference between grip and three types of pinch strength of carpet weavers and normal values. Furthermore, for both hands, the grip strength in the position recommended by American Society of Hand Therapists was significantly greater than that in the normal position carpet weavers usually adopt.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results, the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders has led to a significant decrease in the grip and pinch strength of carpet weavers. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake ergonomic interventions in designing the carpet weaving workstation.
PubMed: 34759600
DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_223_20 -
The Journal of International Medical... Dec 2020To evaluate the development level of children's physiological hand shape indicators and their relationship with grip/pinch strength.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the development level of children's physiological hand shape indicators and their relationship with grip/pinch strength.
METHODS
Hand shape and grip/pinch strength in 1255 Chinese children aged 5 to 13 years were prospectively measured. Development curves of physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength were constructed.
RESULTS
The physiological hand shape indicators (full length, middle finger length, width, and wrist thickness) and grip/pinch strength of boys and girls increased with age and showed statistically significant differences at different ages. In most age groups, hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength were larger in boys than in girls of the same age. After puberty, the physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength increased more rapidly in girls than in boys of the same age, and the differences gradually decreased thereafter. Moreover, a significant difference in pinch strength between the right and left hands was observed in most age groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the physiological hand shape indicators were significantly positively correlated with grip/pinch strength, height, weight, and body mass index.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed the relationship between physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength and provided reference ranges of physiological hand shape indicators and grip/pinch strength for children.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Anthropometry; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hand; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Pinch Strength
PubMed: 33275482
DOI: 10.1177/0300060520970768 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Aug 2023To evaluate immediate and long-term effect of texting or handwriting on hand-grip and key-pinch strength among healthy female students. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate immediate and long-term effect of texting or handwriting on hand-grip and key-pinch strength among healthy female students.
METHODS
The single-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted between February and April 2021 after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, and comprised female Physio Therapy students aged 19-23 years who were right-hand dominant and had normal body mass index. The subjects used smartphones and electronic gadgets for >2hrs daily, writing more than 10min/day. They were randomised using sealed envelopes into five groups. Group A practised 10min texting, group B 15min texting, group C 10min writing, group D 15min writing, and group E used the phones only for talking or watching, with no texting or writing, and was taken as the control group. Hand-grip strength and key- pinch strength were assessed one minute before starting, and within one minute after having finished the assigned hand activity. All measurements were recorded in the sitting position using a single hand-grip dynamometer. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.
RESULTS
Of the 65 individuals assessed, 60(92.3%) were initially enrolled, but the study was finished by 50(83.3%) subjects with a mean age of 20.88±0.98 years and mean body mass index 20.8±2.30kg/m2. There were 12(24%) subjects in group A, 7(14%) in group B, 12(24%) in group C, 10(20%) in group D and 9(18%) in group E. The association of the time-based groups with hand-grip and key-pinch strength was not significant (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Texting and handwriting did not have any significant immediate effect on hand- grip or key-pinch strength.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER
(NCT04810416).
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Young Adult; Body Mass Index; Hand Strength; Handwriting; Single-Blind Method; Text Messaging
PubMed: 37697745
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.1577 -
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine Oct 2015To investigate the relationship between grip and pinch strength and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between grip and pinch strength and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients.
METHODS
Medical records of 577 stroke patients from January 2010 to February 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' grip and pinch strength of both hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic hands and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) score were collected. These patients were divided into three groups: group A (onset duration: ≤3 months), group B (onset duration: >3 months and <2 years), and group C (onset duration: ≥2 years). The correlation between grip and pinch strength and the K-MBI score was analyzed.
RESULTS
In group A (95 patients), the K-MBI score was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with the grip and pinch strength of both hands in patients with right hemiplegia. Significant (p<0.05) correlation between the K-MBI score and the grip and pinch strength of the hemiplegic hand was shown in patients with left hemiplegia. In group B (69 patients) and group C (73 patients), the K-MBI score was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with the grip and pinch strength of the hemiplegic hand.
CONCLUSION
Stroke patients in subacute stage mainly performed activities of daily living using their dominant hand. However, independence in ADL was associated with the strength of the affected dominant hand. For stroke patients in chronic and late chronic stages, their hand power of the affected hand was associated with independence in ADL regardless whether the dominant hand was affected.
PubMed: 26605173
DOI: 10.5535/arm.2015.39.5.752 -
Topics in Spinal Cord Injury... 2021To reach agreement on standardized protocols for assessing upper limb strength and grip and pinch force for upper limb reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia.
OBJECTIVES
To reach agreement on standardized protocols for assessing upper limb strength and grip and pinch force for upper limb reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia.
METHODS
Selected members of an expert panel composed of international therapists formed at the 2018 International Congress for Upper Limb Surgery for Tetraplegia conducted a literature review of current practice that identified gaps and inconsistencies in measurement protocols and presented to workshop attendees. To resolve discrepancies, a set of questions was presented to workshop attendees who voted electronically. Consensus was set at 75% agreement.
RESULTS
For manual muscle testing, consensus was reached for using the Medical Research Council scale, without plus or minus, and the use of resistance through range when testing grade 4 and grade 5 strength. Pectoralis major and serratus anterior should be routinely tested, however there was no consensus on other shoulder muscles. Grip and pinch strength should be tested according to the American Society of Hand Therapists positioning. For grip strength, either the Jamar or Biometrics dynamometer expressed in kilograms should be used. For grip and pinch strength, three measurements should be performed at each testing. No consensus was reached on a device for pinch strength.
CONCLUSION
This work is an important step to enable comparable data in the future. Further consensus methods will work toward developing more comprehensive guidelines in this population. Building international consensus for pre- and postoperative measures of function supports objective evaluation of novel therapies and interpretation of multicenter studies.
Topics: Humans; Muscle Strength; Physical Examination; Quadriplegia; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Spinal Cord Injuries; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 34456548
DOI: 10.46292/sci20-00012 -
Journal of Hand and Microsurgery Apr 2023There has been an increasing utilization of end-to-end (ETE) and reverse "supercharged" end-to-side (SETS) anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to ulnar nerve transfers... (Review)
Review
There has been an increasing utilization of end-to-end (ETE) and reverse "supercharged" end-to-side (SETS) anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to ulnar nerve transfers (NTs) for treatment of high ulnar nerve injury. This study aimed to review the potential indications for, and outcomes of, ETE and SETS AIN-ulnar NT. A literature review was performed, and 10 articles with 156 patients who had sufficient follow-up to evaluate functional outcomes were included. English studies were included if they reported the outcome of patients with ulnar nerve injuries treated with AIN to ulnar motor NT. Outcomes were analyzed based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, grip and key pinch strength, and interosseous Medical Research Council-graded motor strength. Comparisons were made using the independent -test and the chi-square test. No nerve graft control group was required for eligibility. Ulnar nerve injury types varied. NT resulted in 77% of patients achieving M3+ recovery, 53.7 ± 19.8 lb grip strength recovery, 61 ± 21% key pinch recovery, and a mean DASH score of 33.4 ± 16. In this diverse group, NT resulted in significantly greater M3+ recovery and grip strength recovery measured in pounds than in the nerve graft/conventional treatment group, and ETE repairs had significantly better outcomes compared with SETS repairs for grip strength, key pinch strength, and DASH scores, but heterogeneity limits interpretation. ETE and SETS AIN-ulnar NTs produce significant restoration of ulnar nerve motor function for high ulnar nerve injuries. For ulnar nerve transection injuries at or above the elbow, ETE NT results in superior motor recovery compared with nerve grafting/conventional repair. However, further research is needed to determine the best treatment for other types of ulnar nerve injury and the role of SETS NT.
PubMed: 37020610
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1734399 -
BMJ Open Nov 2023To compare the efficacy of a traditional cock-up splint, which supports the wrist only, with a modified splint that supports the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal (MCP)... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy of a traditional cock-up splint, which supports the wrist only, with a modified splint that supports the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the medial four digits in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
DESIGN
An assessor-blind randomised controlled trial.
SETTING
Hospital-based hand therapy clinics.
PARTICIPANTS
Fifty-nine adults with mild-to-moderate CTS were randomly assigned to wear a wrist splint (control group) or an MCP splint (intervention group) for 6 weeks.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The standardised outcome measures used included grip and pinch strength, the static two-point discrimination test, Phalen's manoeuvre test, Tinel's sign and the Boston CTS Questionnaire.
RESULTS
Both groups improved significantly from splint use in some clinical features. The wrist splint and the MCP splint groups had significant improvements in lateral pinch strength (p=0.032 and p=0.002, respectively), two-point discrimination of the thumb (p=0.003 and p=0.041, respectively), two-point discrimination of the index (p=0.035 and p=0.023, respectively) and the Phalen's manoeuvre symptoms (p=0.025 and p=0.002, respectively). The MCP splint group had additional improvements over the wrist splint group in tip pinch (p=0.012) and Palmar pinch (p=0.011) strength.
CONCLUSION
Splinting is a practical and effective intervention option for improving the symptoms of CTS. A wrist splint that incorporates the MCP joints is more effective than the traditional wrist-only splint, with long-lasting improvements that remained consistent after 6 months of the splint intervention. Using the more effective MCP splint may consequently reduce disability, facilitate return to work and lower the associated costs.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN13189602.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Wrist; Occupational Therapy; Hand Strength; Metacarpophalangeal Joint; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38016794
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076961