Objective: To explore the family rehabilitation model for children with scar contracture after hand burns and observe its efficacy. Methods: A retrospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. From March 2020 to March 2021, 30 children with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burns of hands, who met the inclusion criteria, were hospitalized in the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to the rehabilitation model adopted, 18 children (23 affected hands) were included in a group mainly treated by family rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as family rehabilitation group), and 12 children (15 affected hands) were included in another group mainly treated by hospital rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as hospital rehabilitation group). In the former group, there were 11 males and 7 females, aged (4.8±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (3.1±0.8) d after wound healing; in the latter group, there were 7 males and 5 females, aged (4.6±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (2.8±0.7) d after wound healing. The children in hospital rehabilitation group mainly received active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, supplemented by independent rehabilitation training after returning home; after 1-2 weeks of active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, the children in family rehabilitation group received active and passive rehabilitation training at home under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists through WeChat platform. Both groups of children were treated for 6 months. During the treatment, they wore pressure gloves and used hand flexion training belts and finger splitting braces. Before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, the modified Vancouver scar scale, the total active movement of the hand method, and Carroll quantitative test of upper extremity function were used to score/rate the scar of the affected hand (with the difference of scar score between before treatment and after treatment being calculated), the joint range of motion (with excellent and good ratio being calculated), and the function of the affected limb, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, equivalence test, Fisher's exact probability test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The differences of scar scores of the affected hands of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group between after 6 months of treatment and those before treatment were 3.0 (2.0, 7.0) and 3.0 (2.0, 8.0) respectively (with 95% confidence interval of 2.37-5.38 and 1.95-5.91). The 95% confidence interval of the difference between the differences of the two groups was -2.43-2.21, which was within the equivalent boundary value of -3-3 (P<0.05). The excellent and good ratios of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group were 3/23 and 2/15 respectively before treatment, and 15/23 and 12/15 respectively after 6 months of treatment. The ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.58 and 2.30, respectively, P<0.05), but the ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 0.39 and 0.55, respectively, P>0.05). The functional ratings of the affected limbs of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.98 and 3.51, respectively, P<0.05), but the functional ratings of the affected limbs between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 1.27 and 0.38, respectively, P>0.05). Conclusions: The WeChat platform assisted rehabilitation treatment with mainly family rehabilitation, combined with hand flexion and extension brace can effectively reduce the scarring after children's hand burns, improve the joint range of motion of the affected hands, and promote the recovery of affected limb function. The effect is similar to that of hospital-based rehabilitation providing an optional rehabilitation, treatment method for children who cannot continue to receive treatment in hospital.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child ; Cicatrix/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing ; Hand Injuries/rehabilitation* ; Wrist Injuries ; Contracture/etiology* ; Burns/complications*

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the effects of combined upper limb robotic therapy (RT) as compared to conventional occupational therapy (OT) in tetraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and to suggest the optimized treatment guidelines of combined upper limb RT. METHODS: After subject recruitment and screening for eligibility, the baseline evaluation for outcome measures were performed. We evaluated the Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP), the American Spinal Injury Association upper extremity motor score, grip and pinch strength, and the Spinal Cord Independence Measurement III (SCIM-III). In this study, the pre-tested participants were divided randomly into the RT and OT group. The utilized interventions included combined upper limb RT using ArmeoPower and Amadeo (RT group), or conventional OT (OT group) in addition to daily inpatient rehabilitation program. The participants underwent 40 minutes×3 sessions×5 weeks of interventions. RESULTS: A total of 30 tetraplegic SCI patients completed entire study program. After 5 weeks of intervention, both groups demonstrated increases in GRASSP-strength and SCIM-III. The manual muscle test scores of elbow flexion, elbow extension, 2-5th metacarpophalangeal extension, and SCIM-III subscores of bathing-upper, dressing-upper, and grooming as well as the GRASSP-qualitative prehension score were noted to have been significantly increased in the RT group as evaluated. The OT group showed improvements in the GRASSP-quantitative prehension score and some items in grip and pinch strength. There was no significant difference between the two groups in almost all measurements except for the SCIM-III bathing-upper subscore. CONCLUSION: Combined upper limb RT demonstrated beneficial effects on the upper limb motor function in patients with tetraplegic SCI, which were comparable with conventional OT.
Animals ; Elbow ; Grooming ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Mass Screening ; Occupational Therapy ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Pinch Strength ; Rehabilitation ; Robotics ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Injuries ; Upper Extremity

STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental single-blinded study. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of ‘graded exercise integrated with education’ on physical fitness, exercise self-efficacy (ESE), and physical activity (PA) levels among subacute and chronic wheelchair-dependent paraplegia patients. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Most of the chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients had low physical fitness due to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of ESE after discharge from a rehabilitation program. Education may encourage them to engage with exercise to regain and maintain their physical fitness. However, there is a lack of research to support the effects of exercise integrated with education after an SCI. METHODS: A total of 44 participants will be assigned to either the experimental group (graded exercise integrated with education) or active control (conventional physical therapy). The experimental group will receive graded strength and aerobic exercise training according to their progression criteria. They will attend an education program during and after the rehabilitation program. The control group will only receive conventional physical therapy during their in-rehabilitation program. This study will be conducted during a period of 16 weeks, consisting of 8 weeks of in-rehabilitation and 8 weeks post-rehabilitation. Statistical analysis will be performed using the IBM SPSS ver. 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) at a significance level of p≤0.05. RESULTS: The primary outcome measures will be upper-limb isokinetic strength, isometric grip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The secondary outcomes will be ESE and PA levels. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention that combines exercise training and education may be warranted to enhance the physical fitness, ESE, and PA levels in SCI patients. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03420170).
Education ; Exercise ; Hand Strength ; Health Education ; Humans ; Motor Activity ; Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Paraplegia ; Physical Fitness ; Rehabilitation ; Sedentary Lifestyle ; Self Efficacy ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Spinal Cord ; Spine

STUDY DESIGN: Pilot randomized controlled trial. PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy between virtual reality intervention (using Nintendo Wii) along with conventional occupational therapy and conventional occupational therapy alone in improving upper limb function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The use of virtual reality has gained importance in the rehabilitation sector over the last few years. Nintendo Wii has the potential to encourage upper limb function while engaging in an interesting activity, which is important in long-term interventions, such as the treatment of SCI. METHODS: Overall, 22 patients with SCI participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I received 30 minutes of virtual reality intervention (using Nintendo Wii) and 30 minutes of conventional therapy, whereas group II received conventional therapy only for 30 minutes. Both groups received therapy 3 days a week for 4 weeks. One hand of each patient was identified as the target hand based on the inclusion criteria. All patients were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks (post-intervention), and 6 weeks (follow-up). The functional ability of the target hand was assessed using the Capabilities of Upper Extremity (CUE) questionnaire. Gross motor dexterity was assessed using the Box and Block Test (BBT). The level of independence in activities of daily living was assessed by the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-Self Report and quality of life by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of intervention, there was no significant difference in improved hand function between the groups. Mean scores were higher for group I than for group II, with a higher percent change (31.5% in CUE questionnaire and 51.7% in BBT) in group I. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality along with conventional therapy produces similar results in upper limb function as does conventional therapy alone.
Activities of Daily Living ; Cues ; Hand ; Humans ; Occupational Therapy ; Quadriplegia ; Quality of Life ; Rehabilitation ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Spinal Cord ; Upper Extremity ; World Health Organization

A 49-year-old female patient suffered a suspicious scalding burn in her right hand and forearm during a seizure, and visited the clinic 16 hours after injury without appropriate initial treatment. The wound was covered with multiple bullae, was cold and pale, and the extension and flexion functions were decreased. The intrafascial pressure was measured as 19~95 mmHg (mean 46.9), confirming compartment syndrome. The pressure was improved following fasciotomy to 23~32 mmHg (mean 27); escharectomy, split thickness skin grafting and partial ostectomy was then performed, and an abdominal flap operation was conducted. The patient underwent a delayed procedure 14 days after the operation, and on the 18th day, subcutaneous fat and fascia tissues from the subcutaneous layer were removed from the skin; after sculpturing, split thickness skin grafting was performed. On the 21st day after flap separation, stump revisions were performed. The patient is currently undergoing rehabilitation; the metacarpophalangeal joint exhibits a normal range of motion, and the proximal interphalangeal joint has a range of motion of 30~45°. The abdominal flap operation was performed for soft tissue defects in the extensor tendon and bone exposure. Thus, various long-term processes were avoided, and by implementing a short operation time and low-cost surgery, relatively quick rehabilitation treatment could be initiated.
Burns* ; Compartment Syndromes ; Fascia ; Female ; Fingers* ; Forearm ; Hand ; Humans ; Joints ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; Middle Aged ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Reference Values ; Rehabilitation ; Seizures ; Skin ; Skin Transplantation ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Tendons ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Upper extremity soft tissue defects with complete circumferential involvement are not common. Coupled with the unique anatomy of the upper extremity, the underlying etiology of such circumferential soft tissue defects represent additional reconstructive challenges that require treatment to be tailored to both the patient and the wound. The aim of this study is to review the various options for soft tissue reconstruction of complete circumferential defects in the upper extremity. METHODS: A literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE up to December 2016 was performed. The current study focuses on forearm and arm defects from the level at or proximal to the wrist and were assessed based on Tajima's classification (J Trauma 1974). Data reviewed for analysis included patient demographics, causality, defect size, reconstructive technique(s) employed, and postoperative follow-up and functional outcomes (when available). RESULTS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 14 unique articles were identified for a total of 50 patients (mean=28.1 years). Underlying etiologies varied from extensive thermal or electrical burns to high impact trauma leading to degloving or avulsion, crush injuries, or even occur iatrogenically after tumor extirpation or extensive debridement. Treatment options ranged from the application of negative pressure wound dressings to the opposite end of the spectrum in hand transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: With the evolution of reconstructive techniques over time, the extent of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of these complex upper extremity injuries has also improved. The proposed management algorithm comprehensively addresses the inherent challenges associated with these complex cases.
Arm ; Bandages ; Burns ; Classification ; Debridement ; Demography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forearm ; Hand Transplantation ; Humans ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Rehabilitation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Upper Extremity* ; Wounds and Injuries ; Wrist

Fractures and dislocation of the hand is a body injury involving complex structures and multiple functions, which frequently occur as they represent 10%-30% of all fractures. Such fractures and dislocation of the hand should be treated in the context of stability and flexibility; and tailored treatment is required in order to achieve the most optimal functional performance in each patient since deformation may occur if not treated, stiffness may occur with unnecessarily excessive treatment, and both deformation and stiffness may occur coincidently with inappropriate treatment. Stable injuries can be fixed with splintage whereas surgery is actively considered for unstable injuries. In addition, surgeons should keep in mind that as the surgical intervention is done aggressively, aggressive rehabilitation must be followed in correspondence with the surgical intervention. Successful outcome requires effort to prevent any potential complication including nerve hypersensitivity and infection. Finally, it is also important that the patient to know that swelling, stiffness, and pain may last for a long period of time until the recovery of fractures and dislocation of the hand.
Dislocations* ; Finger Injuries ; Hand* ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Pliability ; Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVETo analyze the effects of metacarpus and phalanx traction on correction of scar contracture of hand after burn on the palm side retrospectively.

METHODSA total of 32 patients with 39 affected hands with scar contracture on the palm side after burn were hospitalized from May 2010 to December 2014. Method of treatment: scar contracture was conservatively released followed by skin grafting, which was referred to as method A; Kirschner wire was inserted into the middle or distal phalanx of finger with contracture and the corresponding metacarpus in the shape of U for 2 to 7 weeks' traction, which was referred to as method B; traction frame was built based on the traction pile and anchor formed by Kirschner wire inserted through the second to the fifth metacarpus and distal phalanx of finger with contracture, and then the affected fingers were pulled into a straight position with rubber bands for 2 to 6 months, which was referred to as method C. Method A was used in patients who would be treated with thorough release of scar followed by skin grafting routinely. Method B was used in patients who would be treated with intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation after release of scar contracture and skin transplantation routinely. Method C was further used in patients when methods A and B failed to accomplish the expected result. Method C was used in the first place followed by method A in whom there might be vascular decompensation or exposure of tendon and bone after scar release, and those who failed to meet the expectation were treated with method C in addition. Patients who were unwilling to undergo surgery were treated with method C exclusively. During the course of treatment, the presence or absence of infection and slipping of Kirschner wire or its slitting through soft tissue were observed. The presence or absence of tendency of recurrence of scar contracture within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment was observed. The length of palmar skin measuring from the root of finger with contracture to wrist crease was measured before treatment, at the termination of treatment, and 1 month after the termination of treatment. Scar condition was assessed with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) before treatment and 1, 3, and 6 month(s) after the termination of treatment. Before treatment and 1 month after the termination of treatment, the range of motion was measured with the Total Active Movement (TAM) method; band function was evaluated by the Jebsen Test of Hand Function (JTHF), and the completion time was recorded. Data were processed with analysis of variance, LSD-t test, and t test.

RESULTSTwenty-four patients with 27 affected hands were treated with scheme A + B; 5 patients with 7 affected hands were treated with method C exclusively; 2 patients with 3 affected hands were treated with scheme A + B + C; 1 patient with 2 affected hands were treated with scheme C + A + C. During the course of treatment, no complication such as infection or slicing of tissue was observed, but there was a slight shifting of U-shaped Kirschner wire in 14 affected hands of 13 patients. Tendency of recurrence of scar contracture was observed in 11 affected hands of 10 patients, but the scar contracture did not reoccur after treatment with orthosis. The skin length of palmar side was respectively (131.8 ± 9.8) and (127.6 ± 7.5) mm at the termination of treatment and 1 month after, and they were both significantly longer than that before treatment [(114.5 ± 2.4) mm, with values respectively 10.71 and 10.39, P values below 0.001]. The score of VSS was respectively (9.8 ± 2.4), (9.7 ± 1.7), (9.3 ± 0.8), and (7.7 ± 0.5) points before treatment and 1, 3, and 6 month(s) after the termination of treatment. Only the score at 6 months after the termination of treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (t = 3.28, P < 0.01). The ratio of excellent and good results according to method TAM was respectively 2.6% (1/39) and 94.9% (37/39) before treatment and 1 month after the termination of treatment. The time for JTHF measurement was (13.9 ± 4.1) min before treatment, and it was shortened to (11.0 ± 2.8) min 1 month after the termination of treatment (t = 3.65, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSSingle application of metacarpus and phalanx traction or its combination with skin transplantation after scar release in correcting scar contracture of the palm of hand after burn can lengthen the contracted tissue, and it is beneficial for the restoration of function and appearance of affected hand.

Burns ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Cicatrix ; therapy ; Contracture ; surgery ; Hand Injuries ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Humans ; Metacarpus ; Orthotic Devices ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Skin Transplantation ; Tendons ; Time ; Traction ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Hand strength deficit following digital replantation is usually attributed to the mechanical deficiency of the replanted digit. Zone 1 replantation, however, should not be associated with any mechanical deficit, as the joint and tendon are intact. We evaluate short-term motor functions in patients who have undergone single-digit zone 1 replantation. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent zone 1 replantation. Hand and pinch strengths were evaluated using standard dynamometers. Each set of measurements was pooled according to follow-up periods (within 1 month, 1 to 2 months, 2 to 3 months, and after 3 months). The uninjured hand was used as reference for measurements. RESULTS: The review identified 53 patients who had undergone zone 1 replantation and presented for follow-up visits. Compared to the uninjured hand, dynamometer measurements revealed significantly less strength for the hand with replanted digit at one month. The relative mean grip, pulp, and key pinch strength were 31%, 46%, and 48% of the uninjured hand. These three strength measurements gradually increased, with relative strength measurements of 59%, 70%, and 78% for 4-month follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of joint or tendon injury, strength of the injured hand was significantly lower than that of the uninjured hand during the 4 months following replantation. Improved rehabilitation strategies are needed to diminish the short-term negative impact that an isolated zone 1 replantation has on the overall hand strength.
Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Joints ; Pinch Strength ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rehabilitation ; Replantation* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tendon Injuries ; Tendons

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of ultrashort wave combined with sequential pressure treatment on the functional recovery of deeply burned hands in the early stage of healed wounds in hands.

METHODSSixty-five patients with burn of unilateral hand were hospitalized from July 2012 to June 2013 in our center. Injured hands of 35 patients were treated with active movement, ultrashort wave, sequential pressure therapy, and pressure gloves, and the other 30 patients were treated with active movement and pressure gloves 10-31 days after the wounds were healed according to the will of patients. The former 35 patients were regarded as comprehensive treatment (CT) group, and the latter 30 patients were regarded as routine treatment (RT) group. Before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment, the appearance of injured hands was observed; the circumference of the proximal segment of thumb, index, and middle fingers and that of the palmar crease and wrist crease were measured to evaluate swelling of injured hand; score and grade of function of injured hands were evaluated with a Carroll Upper Extremity Functional Test. Data were processed with t test and rank sum test.

RESULTS(1) Four weeks after treatment, appearance of 30 injured hands in group CT was improved, which was close to that of the normal hand of each patient, while contracture deformity of metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints was observed in the other 5 injured hands. Four weeks after treatment, no obvious change in the appearance of 17 injured hands in group RT was observed compared with that before treatment, while hyperextension of metacarpophalangeal joints, flexion of interphalangeal joints, and adduction deformity of thumb were observed in the other 13 hands. (2) Four weeks after treatment, the circumferential values of the proximal segment of thumb, index, and middle fingers and the palmar crease and wrist crease of injured hands in group CT were respectively lower than those before treatment (with t values 3.26-4.24, P values below 0.01), and the circumferential values of the proximal segment of thumb and middle fingers and the wrist crease of injured hands in group RT were respectively lower than those before treatment (with t values 2.02-2.44, P values below 0.05). The difference values of circumference values of the proximal segment of thumb, index, and middle fingers and the palmar crease and wrist crease of injured hands between before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment were respectively (0.491 ± 0.022), (0.583 ± 0.089), (0.486 ± 0.021), (1.100 ± 0.076), (0.751 ± 0.053) cm in group CT, which were significantly higher than those in group RT [(0.306 ± 0.021), (0.277 ± 0.022), (0.320 ± 0.027), (0.700 ± 0.052), (0.483 ± 0.048) cm, with t values respectively 5.94, 3.11, 5.02, 4.22, 3.68, P values below 0.01]. (3) Four weeks after treatment, scores of function of injured hands in groups CT and RT were respectively higher than those before treatment (with t values respectively 14.40 and 4.00, P values below 0.001), and the grades of function of injured hands were respectively improved (with u values respectively 6.93 and 3.29, P values below 0.01). The difference value of scores of function of injured hands between before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment was (51.1 ± 2.2) points in group CT, which was significantly higher than that of group RT [(32.5 ± 4.8) points, t = 3.52, P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONSUltrashort wave combined with sequential pressure and routine rehabilitation treatment of deeply burned hands in the early stage after wounds in hands are healed can obviously reduce the swelling of injured hands, which provides a favorable condition for active movements and systematic rehabilitation treatment later.

Burns ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Contracture ; Hand Injuries ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Humans ; Pressure ; Recovery of Function ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing