Occupational therapy approach in a specific case of extensor tenorrhaphy in zone VII

Abstract

Introduction: Hand is an important structure for the performance of all Activities of Daily Living and for its perfect functioning it is necessary all its anatomical structures in complete harmony. Tendon injuries caused by agents such as glass and knives are very frequent in hand injuries and their sequelae generate incapacity for work performance and Activities of Daily Living. These are associated with lesions of the skin, nerves, and arteries. Anatomical knowledge of the hand is essential because lesions can progress to complex sequelae if not treated properly. Objective of the study: The objective of the present case study is to reflect on the intervention of Occupational Therapy in a hospital context with a patient submitted to tenorrhaphy of zone VII extensors, during a period of 13 consecutive weeks. Methods: It is intended to carry out a prospective case study of mixed analysis, in which a patient who performed OT at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA) – Portimão Unit. Results: The treatment performed at the level of edema, scar, pain, muscle strength, range of motion and performance and satisfaction of the activities identified as significant by the patient, provided an improvement in the sensorimotor recovery of the extensors in zone VII of the hand with optimization of functional gains. Conclusion: The Occupational Therapy approach contributed to the patient's recovery, avoiding major complications and a faster and more favorable return to their usual activities. Although extensor tendon injuries are frequent, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the subject. Therefore, further studies in hand therapy, to validate the therapeutic techniques comparing the data with the existing ones, must be conducted.