Finger Joint Contractures Research Articles

Relationship between hand stereotypies and purposeful hand use and factors causing skin injuries and joint contractures in individuals with Rett syndrome

BackgroundSkin injuries and joint contractures in the upper limbs are observed in approximately 50 % of individuals with Rett syndrome, respectively. AimsTo investigate the relationship between stereotypic hand movements and purposeful hand skills, items related to these, and factors that cause upper extremity skin injuries and joint contractures in individuals with Rett syndrome. Study designWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study in 2020 with families belonging to either of the two largest Rett syndrome organizations in Japan. SubjectsIn 2020, we sent a questionnaire to 194 Japanese families. Outcome measuresWe used descriptive statistics to indicate frequency in each question. We analysed the association between hand stereotypies and purposeful hand use, their associations with each questionnaire item, and the relationship between the occurrence of skin injuries and joint contractures. ResultsWe acquired information from 72 cases. We found correlations between stereotypy frequency with reaching and between purposeful hand use with intellectual development grade and hand function. Hand and finger skin injuries and elbow and finger joint contractures were associated with wringing/washing, grasping, locomotion, reaching, and intellectual development grade. We identified cut-off points for the occurrence of elbow and finger joint contractures of 10 years 6 months, ability to roll over, finger feeds only, and understanding of simple words. ConclusionsDirect interventions can reduce hand stereotypies and increase purposeful hand use, while related items can be addressed with indirect interventions. Evaluations of factors that cause skin injuries and joint contractures can prevent their occurrence.

Responsiveness of the patient-specific Canadian occupational performance measure and a fixed-items activity limitations measure in patients with dupuytren disease

BackgroundPatients with Dupuytren disease experience various activity limitations. Treatment aims to reduce finger joint contractures to improve hand function and activity performance. For assessing improvement different patient-centered measures have been used. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was developed as an interview-based outcome measure to detect changes over time in patients’ perception of their performance and satisfaction in self-identified activity issues. The 11-item disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (QuickDASH) scale consists of fixed items that ask patients to rate the difficulty in performing specific daily activities. Few studies have compared the responsiveness of these two types of patient-reported measures in Dupuytren disease.Patients and methodsWe included 30 patients with Dupuytren disease enrolled in a prospective cohort study of collagenase injection. We used the COPM (score range 1–10), the QuickDASH (score range 0-100) and measurement of finger joint contracture before and 5 weeks after treatment.ResultsUsing the COPM the patients identified 107 activity problems (55 in self-care, 19 in productivity and 33 in leisure). The two most common activity problems were to wash self (21 patients) and to don gloves (19 patients). A clinically important improvement with 3 points or greater from baseline to 5 weeks was seen for performance in 77 activities (72%). The median COPM performance score improved from 4.4 at baseline to 9.0 at 5 weeks and the median QuickDASH score improved from 13.6 to 2.5. Responsiveness (Cohen’s d) for the COPM performance was 2.6 (95% CI 1.9–3.3) and for the QuickDASH 0.6 (95% CI 0.1–1.1).ConclusionThe COPM had about 4-fold larger responsiveness than the QuickDASH, which supports use of an individualized measure when assessing treatment effects in Dupuytren disease.

Fingerprint comparison between before disease onset and after systemic sclerosis diagnosis: a monocentric cross-sectional study.

Skin tightness is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and the fingers are an affected body part, so much so that fingerprints can be significantly affected among those with extensive skin tightness of the finger. We aimed to compare the difference between the current and past (pre-disease onset) fingerprints of SSc patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study among adult SSc patients who attended the Scleroderma Clinic, Khon Kaen University, between October 2019, and September 2020. All eligible patients consented to obtaining their current and previous prints from the Central Registration Bureau, Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of the Interior. The current prints were obtained using the Crossmatch (Lite UE) live scan from the Central Institute of Forensic Science of Thailand. We investigated the concordance between the prints before disease onset and the current (enroll date) via the Printquest AFIS system with officers from the Central Institute of Forensic Science, Thailand. One hundred SSc patients, according to the sample size calculation, were enrolled (mean age 59.4 ± 9.6years; 66% female). Most (70%) had the diffuse cutaneous SSc subset. A respective 59%, 55%, and 6% presented acro-osteolysis, hand deformities, and digital ulcers. Some challenges were experienced in obtaining prints from patients with loss of the fingertip fat pad, finger joint contracture, and/or acro-osteolysis; notwithstanding, all fingerprints were usable and without individualized changes. Fingerprints were affected by fingertip lesions and finger joint contractures; notwithstanding, the prints remained usable for personal identification. Key Points • Skin involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects the prints, particularly at the fingertip. • Despite disease onset, the fingerprints of SSc patients do not change significantly. • Fingerprints are inadequate for personal identification among SSc patients with hand deformities due to poor quality or difficulty acquiring them.

“Needle Aponeurotomy for Stage IV Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Wide-Awake First Step Approach in consecutive 204 rays.”

Severe forms of Dupuytren disease are difficult to treat. Surgical fasciectomy is often the first choice, despite its high complication rate. At times, amputation is recommended. The authors evaluated the efficacy of minimally invasive needle fasciotomy (needle aponeurotomy) as the first and only treatment for severe (stage IV) Dupuytren contracture using a retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's consecutive experience over 8 years. A total of 204 rays from 165 patients with severe Dupuytren disease with total passive extension digit contracture of 135 degrees or greater were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 22.3 months. Standard goniometric measurements of finger joint contractures were taken before needle aponeurotomy and at follow-up visits. Total passive extension digit and flexion contracture improved significantly at each finger joint. Before the procedure, median flexion contractures were as follows: at the metacarpophalangeal joint, -70 degrees (interquartile range, -80 to -55); at the proximal interphalangeal joint, -75 degrees (interquartile range, -85 to -65); and at the distal interphalangeal joint, -5 degrees (interquartile range, -20 to 0); median total passive extension of digit was -145 degrees (interquartile range, -160 to -135). Flexion contractures after the procedure improved with 74 percent gain at the metacarpophalangeal joint, 32 percent gain at the proximal interphalangeal joint, and 46 percent gain at the distal interphalangeal joint, with 55 percent gain of total passive digit extension overall ( p < 0.001). The study shows that needle aponeurotomy led to significant improvements in joint contractures at all finger joints with minimal adverse effects. Needle aponeurotomy is an effective and safe first-line treatment for severe Dupuytren disease as the sole treatment or as a preliminary step for more invasive procedures if needed. Therapeutic, IV.

Finger Joint Contractures 5 Years After Treatment for Dupuytren Disease: A Comparative Cohort Study of Collagenase Injection Versus Surgical Fasciectomy

To compare collagenase injection with surgical fasciectomy in Dupuytren disease (DD) for the prevalence of contracture in treated fingers 5 years after treatment. This was a single-center, comparative cohort study comprising 2 cohorts of patients treated for DD in 1 or more of 3 ulnar fingers with collagenase injection (159 patients) or surgical fasciectomy (59 patients). At 5 years after treatment, 13 collagenase-treated and 8 fasciectomy-treated patients had undergone subsequent treatment on the treated fingers and were considered to have current contracture. Of the remaining patients, 112 collagenase-treated patients (128 hands, 180 fingers) and 46 fasciectomy-treated patients (49 hands, 63 fingers) attended follow-up evaluation performed by 2 independent examiners (participation rate 84% and 93%, respectively). We defined current contracture in a treated finger as an active extension deficit of ≥20° in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint or a total (MCP+ PIP) active extension deficit (TAED) of ≥30°. We used linear mixed models to analyze differences between the cohorts over time. In the collagenase cohort, current contracture was present in 45 (25%) MCP and 60 (33%) PIP joints, and in the fasciectomy cohort, current contracture was present in 12 MCP (19%) and 30 PIP (48%) joints; a TAED of ≥30° was present in 79 (44%) of the collagenase-treated and 30 (48%) of the fasciectomy-treated fingers. In MCP and PIP joints with ≥20° pretreatment contracture, complete correction was observed in 82 (56%) MCP and 30 (30%) PIP joints in the collagenase cohort and 23 (70%) MCP and 5 (16%) PIP joints in the fasciectomy cohort. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 cohorts in the TAED change over time. In patients with DD, collagenase injection and surgical fasciectomy improved finger joint contracture over the pretreatment status but had a high prevalence of joint contracture in the treated fingers 5 years after treatment. Therapeutic IV.

792 Exoskeleton Robot Using 3-Dimensional Modeling in Burn Patient

IntroductionHands are the part of the body that are most commonly involved in burns, and the main complications are finger joint contractures and nerve injuries. Hypertrophic scarring cannot be avoided despite early management of acute hand burn injuries, and some patients may need application of an exoskeleton robot to restore hand function. To do this, it is essential to individualize the customization of the robot for each patient. Three-dimensional (3D) technology, which is widely used in the field of implants, anatomical models, and tissue fabrication, makes this goal achievable.MethodsTherefore, this report is a study on the usefulness of an exoskeleton robot using 3D technology for patients who lost bilateral hand function due to burn injury. Five burn patients with upper limb dysfunction after a flame and chemical burn injury, with resultant impairment of manual physical abilities.ResultsAfter wearing an exoskeleton robot made using 3D printing technology, the patients could handle objects effectively and satisfactorily.ConclusionsThis innovative approach provided considerable advantages in terms of customization of size and reduction in manufacturing time and costs, thereby showing great potential for use in patients with hand dysfunction after burn injury.

Обґрунтування можливості використання одноплощинного шарнірного апарата зовнішньої фіксації для лікування контрактур пальців кисті

При стійких довготривалих контрактурах після травм, включаючи артрогенні, доцільне використання апаратів зовнішньої фіксації. Мета роботи: надати біомеханічне обґрунтування для використання одноплощинного шарнірного апарата зовнішньої фіксації для лікування контрактур у міжфалангових суглобах пальців кисті. Матеріали та методи. Шляхом математичного моделювання вивчалася біомеханічна робота пристрою для лікування контрактур суглобів пальців кисті однобічної одноплощинної конструкції. Результати й обговорення. У математичній моделі біомеханічну роботу даного апарата зовнішньої фіксації можна поділити на дві частини: активну механічну роботу накладної системи та пасивну роботу кістково-суглобного вузла. Суглоб у розрахунках може бути поданий у вигляді пружного шарніра. Сила, що необхідна для щоденного прикладання під час лікування, становить 21 Н, що відповідає 1 градусу повороту у хворому суглобі. Пристроєм необхідне активне зусилля розвивається й передається через два кісткові різьбові стрижні на середню чи дистальну фаланги. Аналітичні вирази дають змогу визначити поздовжні зусилля, що діють у дистальній, проксимальній пластині та поворотному механізмі в будь-який момент роботи апарата зовнішньої фіксації. Висновки. Проведене дослідження дає підстави вважати, що використання одноплощинного одностороннього апарата забезпечує умови для дозованого повороту в суглобі та подолання пружних характеристик різного ступеня вираженості.

Evaluation of WNT Signaling Pathway Gene Variants WNT7B rs6519955, SFRP4 rs17171229 and RSPO2 rs611744 in Patients with Dupuytren's Contracture.

Dupuytren’s contracture (DC) represents a chronic fibroproliferative pathology of the palmar aponeurosis, which leads to flexion contractures of finger joints and hand disability. In recent decades, the WNT signaling pathway has been revealed to play a significant role in the manifestation and pathogenesis of DC. Our study aimed to evaluate the associations between Dupuytren’s contracture and WNT-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms: Wnt Family Member 7B (WNT7B) rs6519955 (G/T), Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 4 (SFRP4) rs17171229 (C/T) and R-spondin 2 (RSPO2) rs611744 (A/G). We enrolled 216 patients (113 DC cases and 103 healthy controls), and DNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood. Genotyping of WNT7B rs6519955, SFRP4 rs17171229 and RSPO2 rs611744 was performed using the Real-Time PCR System 7900HT from Applied Biosystems. WNT7B rs6519955 genotype TT carriers were found to possess a higher prevalence of DC (OR = 3.516; CI = 1.624–7.610; p = 0.001), whereas RSPO2 rs611744 genotype GG appears to reduce the likelihood of the manifestation of DC nearly twofold (OR = 0.484, CI = 0.258–0.908, p = 0.024). In conclusion, SNPs WNT7B rs6519955 and RSPO2 rs611744 are associated with the development of Dupuytren’s contracture: WNT7B rs6519955 TT genotype increases the chances by 3.5-fold, and RSPO2 rs611744 genotype GG appears to attenuate the likelihood of the manifestation of DC nearly twofold. Findings of genotype distributions among DC patients and control groups suggest that SFRP4 rs17171229 is not significantly associated with development of the disease.

External Screw-Threaded Traction Device Helps Optimize Finger Joint Mobility in Severe Stage III and IV Dupuytren Disease.

BackgroundTreating advanced finger joint contractures from Dupuytren disease remains a challenge. We evaluated the effectiveness of a skeletal distraction device versus alternative treatment options.Material/MethodsWe analyzed the surgical treatment of contracted finger joints in stage III and stage IV Dupuytren’s disease over a 10-year period. Data were obtained from inpatient and outpatient medical records, including postoperative clinical examinations and extended Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores. Complications of infection, postoperative pain, and wound healing disorders were recorded.ResultsA total of 79 patients (83 hands) were assigned to 2 treatment groups. Patients in group 1 underwent an initial open transection of the main fibrous cord, Z-plasty, distraction with the Erlangen external distraction device, and fasciectomy. The distraction period was 13 to 81 days (mean 31 days). Group 2 underwent a conventional single-stage fasciectomy and arthrolysis. DASH scores and subjective patient satisfaction were lower in group 1 (20.7/33%) than in group 2 (10.3/50%). However, the staged approach of group 1 to treat proximal interphalangeal joint contractures in the long term (improvement >40%) was more effective than the approach of group 2 (>33%). Distraction device pin infections occurred in 20% of hands. Postoperative pain and complex regional pain syndrome type I occurred in 25% of hands in group 1 and 3% in group 2.ConclusionsA screw thread driven external fixation device is useful in end-stage Dupuytren’s finger joint contractures. It is indicated when joint contractures are advanced and simple arthrolysis is insufficient.

Examiners\u2019 influence on the measured active and passive extension deficit in finger joints affected by Dupuytren disease

BackgroundThe most commonly reported outcome measure in Dupuytren disease is the extension deficit in finger joints. This study aimed to investigate the examiners’ influence on the measured difference between active and passive extension deficit.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted on 157 consecutive patients (81% men, mean age 70 years) scheduled for collagenase treatment for Dupuytren disease. Before injection, one of three experienced hand therapists measured active extension deficit (AED) and passive extension deficit (PED) in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the affected fingers using a hand-held metal goniometer. We included joints with ≥10° AED, and calculated mean AED and PED in MCP and PIP joints measured by each examiner. For adjusted analysis we used a mixed effects model to determine the relationship between the examiner and the AED-PED difference.ResultsFor all 291 joints measured, mean AED was 46° (SD 21) and mean PED was 37° (SD 23). Mean difference between AED and PED measured by examiner 1 was 6° (SD 6), by examiner 2 was 9° (SD 9), and by examiner 3 was 12° (SD 9). The mixed effects model analysis showed that the identity of the examining therapist was a significant determinant of the AED-PED difference.ConclusionsIn Dupuytren disease measurement of active and passive extension deficit in finger joint contractures may vary significantly between different examiners. This must be taken into consideration when designing clinical studies and comparing outcomes between studies.

The Application of Three-Dimensional Printed Finger Splints for Post Hand Burn Patients: A Case Series Investigation.

The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing is growing explosively in the medical field, and is especially widespread in the clinical use of fabricating upper limb orthosis and prosthesis. Advantages of 3D-printed orthosis compared to conventional ones include its lower cost, easier modification, and faster fabrication. Hands are the most common body parts involved with burn victims and one of the main complications of hand burns are finger joint contractures. Applying orthotic devices such as finger splints are a well-established essential element of burn care. In spite of the rapid evolution of the clinical use of 3D printing, to our knowledge, its application to hand burn patients has not yet been reported. In this study, the authors present a series of patients with hand burn injuries whose orthotic needs were fulfilled with the application of 3D-printed finger splints.

A comparison of video and autofluorescence bronchoscopy in patients at high risk of lung cancer

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of flexible video bronchoscopy (FVB) and autofluorescence bronchoscopy (i.e. lung imaging fluorescence endoscopy (LIFE)) in 151 patients at a high risk of lung cancer and with moderate dysplasia or worse on sputum cytology mass screening. Findings from FVB and LIFE were classified as either normal, abnormal or suspicious for cancer. Endobronchial biopsies (EBX) were obtained from abnormal or suspicious areas on FVB and/or LIFE, or randomly when FVB and LIFE were normal. Moderate dysplasia and worse were defined as pathologically positive. Overall, 83 out of 343 (24%) EBX were pathologically positive. The sensitivity of FVB was 72% and LIFE 96%. Relative sensitivity of LIFE over FVB was 1.33. Specificities of FVB and LIFE were 53 and 23%, respectively. The numbers of pathologically positive EBX from sites designated normal, abnormal or suspicious were: from FVB, 23 out of 162 (14%), 37 out of 151 (25%) and 23 out of 30 (77%); from LIFE, three out of 69 (4%), 44 out of 212 (21%) and 36 out of 62 (58%). In normal or abnormal areas at FVB, there was a significant increase in the yield of EBX guided by abnormal and suspicious sites noted at LIFE. In conclusion, endobronchial biopsies of suspicious findings from lung imaging fluorescence endoscopy and flexible video bronchoscopy have a good diagnostic yield. Lung imaging fluorescence endoscopy is more useful when flexible video bronchoscopy is either normal or abnormal.

The scar band rotation flap

This study presents cases in which postburn scar contractures of finger joints and interdigital spaces have been reconstructed using a scar band rotation flap. The scar band rotation flap is a subcutaneous pedicled skin island flap consisting of a contracture-causing scar band, the graft surface and normal skin. After flap rotation, the normal skin in the flap divides the scar band, thus releasing the scar contracture. In the past 10 years, we have used this reconstruction method to treat seven patients (three males and four females) ranging in age from 4 to 72 years. In all patients, the cause of the scar contractures was marginal scarring of a life-saving skin graft that was used to treat extensive burns. We reconstructed four finger joints and eight interdigital space contractures and obtained favorable results with no flap loss. We have found this method to be useful for the reconstruction of small scar contractures in locations such as finger joints and interdigital spaces after skin grafting to treat extensive burns.

Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma: demographic, clinical, and serologic features and survival in forty-eight patients.

To describe the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features and natural history of patients with systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma (ssSSc), and to compare them with those of patients with SSc and limited cutaneous involvement (IcSSc). The University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Databank served as the data source. Patients were divided into those who had no skin thickening (ssSSc) and those who had skin thickening only distal to elbows or knees and/or of the face (IcSSc) during their disease course. These two groups were compared with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical, laboratory, and serologic features, and survival rates. Chi-square and Student's t-test analyses were performed, and Fisher's exact test was used as appropriate. Of 555 consecutive patients without diffuse cutaneous SSc, 48 (9%) had ssSSc and 507 (91%) had IcSSc. The ssSSc patients had a mean total disease duration of 18.6 years (15.1 years before study entry and 3.5 years of followup after study entry), and had not developed IcSSc or another connective tissue disease. Other than the absence of skin thickening, the ssSSc group had no significant differences in individual internal organ involvements, laboratory features, serum autoantibody type, or survival rate compared with patients with IcSSc. Within the category of lung involvement, patients with ssSSc had a significantly greater frequency of dyspnea with mild exertion or at rest, and a tendency toward reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (<70% of predicted normal) and primary pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with IcSSc had significantly more frequent individual manifestations of digital pitting scars, digital-tip ulcers, telangiectasia, and calcinosis than those with ssSSc, in part related to increased time of observation. Puffy fingers and finger joint contractures were detected significantly more often in IcSSc patients. Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma should be included in the spectrum of SSc with limited cutaneous involvement and should not be considered a distinct or separate disorder.

Extending the use of the palmar advancement flap with V-Y closure

Recently we have extended the use of the V-Y advancement flap for the purposes of releasing flexion contractures of finger joints, improving the appearance of congenitally anomalous fingers and repairing segmental skin defects in fingers, with gratifying results.

Limited joint mobility in diabetes mellitus.

The relationship of limited joint mobility and finger joint contractures in diabetics to age of onset, duration, and control of diabetes has not been established. We measured the mobility of metacarpophalangeal, wrist, elbow, and ankle joints and assessed the prevalence of finger joint contractures in 254 young diabetics and 110 controls. The presence of microvascular disease was assessed by ophthalmoscopy and urine analysis for proteinuria. An estimate of long-term diabetic control was obtained from a postal questionnaire. A generalised reduction in joint mobility was present in diabetics of all ages two years after diagnosis. The reduction in joint mobility in controls between the ages of 12 and 13 was exaggerated in the diabetics. Diabetics diagnosed before puberty were more severely affected than those with a postpubertal onset, independent of duration of diabetes. Finger joint contractures were a significant feature of longstanding diabetics (nine years or more duration) only.

Joint contractures and diabetic retinopathy.

It has been suggested that joint contractures may be an early marker of microangiopathy, especially retinopathy, in diabetic patients. To investigate this possibility, the prevalence of contractures of the finger joints, as assessed by the painted hand technique, was compared in 106 diabetic patients without, and 105 with retinopathy (proliferative in 66%). There was an increased prevalence of contractures in those with diabetes (25.2%) as compared with an age-matched control of 106 subjects (7.5%, P less than 0.01). The prevalence of contractures was similar in those diabetics with and without retinopathy (29.5% v. 20.8%, P less than 0.1), and did not vary with the type of retinopathy. The contracture prevalence rate was also similar in those with a diabetes duration of 5 or more years (retinopathy 29.3%, no retinopathy, 30%) or of similar diabetic duration (retinopathy 20.8%, no retinopathy, 25%). Diabetic control, as assessed by HbA1, was similar in retinopathic patients with or without contractures. We conclude that although finger joint contractures are more prevalent in adult diabetic patients, they are not necessarily a reliable early indicator of the development of retinopathy of any specific type.

Dynamic retractable key chain for the head.

We have developed a dynamic hand splint, with a quantifiable force, to increase the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. A number of conservative methods, such as passive stretching, splinting, and serial casting, have been used to reduce finger joint contractures. Therapists often ask questions such as • What is the amount and duration of force that will produce the greatest increase in joint range of motion in the shortest period of time? • Are there some joint conditions that will have a greater increase in range of motion with a low force applied over longer periods of time as opposed to some joint conditions that respond better to higher forces applied for shorter periods of time? • What is the amount and duration of force, if exceeded, that will cause a loss in hand function?

Joint contracture--common manifestation of childhood diabetes mellitus.

Sixty-five of 229 seven to eighteen-year-old campers with diabetes were found to have contractures of finger joints; in two thirds of affected children only the fifth finger was involved. Stiff resistance to passive finger manipulation and thickened adherent skin over the dorsa of the hands were additional features. Short stature was associated with involvement of more than one finger; the shortest youngsters also had contractures of large joints. Joint changes were independent of age, sex, age of onset of diabetes, and control of diabetes, but correlated with duration of the diabetes.