Hand Span Research Articles

Indian Hand Anthropometry: First Web Space Angle Measurement in A Population of 800 Subjects.

Background The first web space of the hand plays a crucial role in determining the hand's span. Our study aims to examine and quantify the first web space angle in both hands of adult individuals within the Indian population with no upper limb pathologies. The primary objective of this study is to establish normative data. These data will be useful in surgical correction for the first web release, recommending corrective splints, and calculating the percentage of disability in hand function. Materials and Methods Data from 800 individuals from various regions across India, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years who had no pathology in both upper limbs were collected. A goniometer was used to measure the first web space angle of both hands by keeping the forearm pronated, elbow flexed, and arms adducted. The subjects from different states were divided into various zones. Results In 800 subjects, the average measurement in the right hand was 97.28 degrees, and in the left hand, 99.76 degrees. In males, the average measurement in the right hand was 97.54 degrees, and in the left hand, it was 99.61 degrees. In females, in the right hand, it was 96.93 degrees, and in the left hand 100 degrees. The result was recorded in subjects from each zone in the country. Conclusion The large sample size from various parts of the country makes the study more reliable. The technique of measuring the angles was easily reproducible. Our findings provide crucial normative data for clinicians and therapists.

Identifying the Differences in Symmetry of the Anthropometric Parameters of the Upper Limbs in Relation to Manual Laterality between Athletes Who Practice Sports with and without a Ball

Identifying the Differences in Symmetry of the Anthropometric Parameters of the Upper Limbs in Relation to Manual Laterality between Athletes Who Practice Sports with and without a Ball

32 HANDFULS: A New Clinically Feasible Measure of Hand Outcome for Children with Burns and Trauma

Abstract Introduction Fine motor dexterity is important for children's normal hand function and development. In-hand manipulation (the collection and repositioning of items in the hand) and palmar workspace (functional volume in the palm) are two aspects of hand function that often become simultaneously impaired after hand trauma or burn injury. Rehabilitation emphasizes recovery of these hand functions yet few functional outcome measures address both of these constructs and even fewer are appropriate for children. Methods This study developed a new hand outcome measure to specifically assess these constructs and tested it on 192 children between the ages of 2-21. The test, called ‘HANDFULs’, uses simple instructions and inexpensive materials (i.e. marbles) shown in Figure 1. Means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence limits were estimated for children in seven age groups. Associations between age and the HANDFULs variables were examined using one-factor ANOVA. Multiple regressions were fit to test for associations between age and the HANDFULs variables after controlling for height, hand size, and hand strength. A stepwise selection procedure was then implemented, holding age into the model, to remove otherwise non-significant variables. Test-retest reliability was tested with the Shrout Fleiss Reliability Index and significance was set at p< 0.05. Results Expected normal values are reported in Figure 2 for palmar workspace volume (marbles that fit in the hand) and in-hand manipulation (collection time per marble) by age group. Age (0.16 (0.06), p=0.009), hand span (0.47 (0.09), p< 0.0001) and hand width (0.9 (0.29), p=0.003) were significantly associated with number of marbles that fit in the hand, representing palmar workspace capacity. Although hand strength and size characteristics were tested, only age (-0.02 (0.01), p=0.001) was significantly associated with the HANDFULs score of time per marble. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.94 demonstrating excellent test-retest reliability. Conclusions This study developed a new pediatric hand outcome measure to address hand function to address a gap related to burn and trauma recovery. The measure was tested on able-bodied, noninjured children to establish validity and reliability, provide reference values for patients with injuries by age groups, and is clinically feasible to administer. Applicability of Research to Practice Outcome test for burn injured hands.

Correlation of Lateral Pinch Strength with Hand Span in Bead Embroiderers

Background: Lateral pinch strength is a commonly employed indices of strength used in hand evaluations. For all handicrafts professionals, grip and pinch strength is an important criterion to be successful in their profession. The bead embroiderers are one of the major handicrafts worker groups of Bangladesh. Objectives: The study was planned to compare and correlate hand span and lateral pinch strength of the hand in bead embroiderers to establish baseline data of our own for further studies. Materials and Methods: There was a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted on 150 bead embroiderers in group B and 50 sedentary workers in group A, carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka between July 2016 and July 2017. The lateral pinch was measured by using a Pinch Gauge Dynamometer. The hand span was taken by using a ruler and unpaired student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were done to compare and correlate.Results: Lateral pinch strength showed a significant positive correlation with hand span in group B (r = +0.234, P<0.01) and non-significant positive correlation with hand span in group A (r = +0.275, P=0.053).Conclusion: The study findings may contribute significantly to current knowledge for designing machines and handheld devices.KYAMC Journal Vol. 14, No. 02, July 2023: 92-95.

Correlation of body mass index with handgrip strength and blood pressure indices among young adults

Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is an important quantitative measure to evaluate the overall muscle strength of an individual. It is affected by factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and hypertension. This study aims to find out the correlation of BMI with HGS and blood pressure indices among young adults. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two medical students between the age group of 18–20 years with no history of systemic illness, musculoskeletal disorder, hand pain or deformity were selected. Informed consent was obtained. Biodata and anthropometric measurements were documented in a proforma. HGS and endurance of the dominant hand were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Blood pressure was recorded using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Data on BMI was sub grouped into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese participants to compare the HGS among them. Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and HGS (r = −0.513; P < 0.01), BMI and grip strength ratio (r = −0.750; P < 0.01), and between BMI and handgrip endurance (r = −0.359; P < 0.01). Statistically significant decrease in HGS was found among underweight (29.36 ± 7.01), overweight (26.18 ± 5.45) and obese participants (20.48 ± 3.12) with Kruskal–Wallis value χ2 = 14.231. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.603; P < 0.01), BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.514; P < 0.01), BMI and pulse pressure (r = 0.228; P < 0.01) and between BMI and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.572; P < 0.01). Conclusion: BMI was found to be negatively correlated with HGS and positively correlated with blood pressure indices. This can influence the compatibility of medical students with the physical and emotional stress of course. Determinants such as grip span, hand span, skeletal muscle bulk, and arm and calf muscle circumference are to be considered for further research to improve the endurance of young adults.

Relationship of carrying angle with grip strength and anthropometric measurements in young adults

Background and purposeIncrease or decrease in the carrying angle may affect the functional activity and lead to elbow instability and pain during exercise or activity of daily living. Grip strength is commonly evaluated as a component of hand function in clinical settings as an indicator of disease and functional activity. The objective of this study was to find out correlation of carrying angle with grip strength and anthropometric measurements in healthy young adults.MethodologyTwo hundred three participants (female 121 and male 82) with mean age 22.95 ± 2.11 years were included as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Carrying angle was measured by goniometer, and grip strength was measured by handheld dynamometer. Anthropometric data like forearm length and hand span was measured by the measuring tape and ruler scale respectively.ResultsSpearman’s correlation test showed that carrying angle is negatively correlated with grip strength (r = − 0.18; p < 0.05) and forearm length (r = − 0.14; p < 0.05) on the left side but no significant correlation on the right side. Body height and carrying angle have negative correlation on the right (r = − 0.20, p < 0.05) and left sides (r = − 0.23, p < 0.05).ConclusionAs the carrying angle increases, grip strength decreases. The height and length of the forearm are inversely related to the carrying angle. Grip strength is directly proportional with forearm length and hand span. Early identification of increased carrying angle will help in the prevention of various complications and identification of biomechanical alteration in sports activities.

Handgrip strength and its correlation with anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions in children aged 6-12 years: A cross-sectional study.

Handgrip strength is considered an important interpreter of general health, and hand functions in children. It is mainly influenced by anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions. To assess the handgrip strength and their association with anthropometric determinants, hand circumference, hand span, and hand length among school children in both the dominant and non-dominant hand. Anthropometric measurements, hand circumference, hand span, hand length, and grip strength measurements were obtained from 133 school children of both genders aged 6-12 years. A Jamar hand-held dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength and the hand dimensions with a tape measure in cm. Significant differences were found between the handgrip strength among boys and girls. The dominant hand was found to be sturdier than the non-dominant hand in both genders. We also found a significant correlation of anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions with handgrip strength. Age, BMI, hand circumference, hand span, and hand length had a strong correlation with grip strength (p < 0.01). The study revealed the reference values and concluded its correlations with hand dimensions among school children aged 6-12 years and this information can serve as a manual for interpretation of handgrip strength measurements in children.

Hand Anthropometry: Baseline Data of The Major Ethnic Groups in Sabah

Anthropometry, the quantitative interface between anatomy and physiology, is a scientific specialization concerned with applying measurement to appraise human size, shape, proportion, composition, development, and gross function. Anthropometric measurement is essential in many areas, including archaeology, anthropology, ergonomics, forensic sciences, anatomy, and nutrition. Although different researchers have studied the anthropometry of hand extensively in Malaysia, there is still a paucity of data among the major ethnicities (Kadazandusun, Bajau, Malay and Chinese) that exist in Sabah. The study was designed to create baseline data for normative values of hand length, handbreadth, middle finger length, second inter-crease length of the middle finger, and the hand span of major ethnic groups in Sabah. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022 by applying a stratified random sampling method. At first, the students were stratified into ethnicities and were further stratified as males and females. The hand dimensions were measured using a digital calliper. The baseline data for Sabah’s four major ethnic groups were compared for symmetry, gender, and ethnic differences. The right handbreadth was broader than the left hand (p&lt;0.01). The result also demonstrated a statistically significant (0.001) difference between gender; however, there was no significant difference among the four ethnicities. Further study at the community level is recommended for different age groups and ethnicities by addressing hand activity, hormones, and brain asymmetry tocomplement the findings of this study.

Ergonomic Evaluation of Anthropometry Based Hydroponic Plants Watering Automation System

Hydroponics is a technique of growing plants without soil. Until now, many people do it manually for moisture, content, nutrition, and continuous flow of water. The application of ergonomics aims to make the user healthy, comfortable, safe, productive. The purpose of evaluating anthropometry-based ergonomics, and testing the hydroponic plant watering automation system tool. The method used is collecting anthropometric data on the dimensions of the user's body for ergonomics, then designing an automatic hydroponic watering tool to make it easier to design hardware and software. The results of the ergonomics evaluation study, hand span size 175.3 cm, upright body height 167.4 cm, shoulder to head 32.23 cm, shoulder to base of foot 66.77 cm, base of foot to knee 48.89 cm, base of foot to knee 48.98 cm, elbow to elbow 41.81 cm, elbow to hand 34.45 cm. While the results of testing the condition of the charcoal are at the humidity threshold of 49% - 60% then the pump will be on, and if the pot has been on the humidity threshold of 65% - 99% then the pump will be off.

One size does not fit all: Impact of hand size on ease of use of instruments for minimally invasive surgery

BackgroundConsideration of ergonomic factors is important for the practice of safe and efficient minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Surgeons with smaller glove sizes have previously been reported to have increased difficulties with some minimally invasive instruments. We aim to investigate hand anthropometrics and their relationship to surgeon comfort when using MIS instruments. MethodsMale and female surgeons from two centres were surveyed on their experience of handling MIS instruments and images obtained of the dorsal and palmar aspects of their dominant hand. Photographs of hands were transformed to calibrated coordinates to enable anthropometric measurements of finger length and width as well as palm width and hand span photogrammetrically. Surgeon-perceived discomfort, fatigue, pressure points and techniques to mitigate difficulty handling instruments were compared to hand measurements. ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 58 surgeons; 20 (34%) were consultants, 17 (29%) were women. Glove size ranged from 6 to 8 (median 7.5). Male participants had significantly larger hands than females in all measured dimensions. Female surgeons and those with smaller finger and hand dimensions were significantly more likely to experience difficulty or discomfort across a range of variables when using MIS instruments. ConclusionsSurgeons with smaller hands reported increased problems handling MIS instruments. This represents an issue of equity in surgery, with women being more significantly affected than men. Hand size varies greatly between surgeons and anthropometric variability should be considered in design of MIS instruments.

PERANCANGAN MEJA KERJA PADA KERUPUK KAROMAH BATAM

This research highlights a methodology for designing workbench prototypes with Ergonomics integration. Case studies of workbenches have not been modified according to the needs of employees because in terms of convenience and function. Work comfort usually occurs when there is a match or fit between environmental conditions, tools, machines and supporting equipment in carrying out work with the physical condition of workers. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Karomah Onion Crackers Batam is one of the SMEs in Batam City. Based on the results of interviews conducted with employees of Batam Karomah Onion Crackers, they complained about the heat at work because the table made of wood was only given a small wood between the legs and the fire so thatthe employees still felt the heat which caused the employees to be uncomfortable at work. To find out the shape of the drawings and dimensions of the ergonomic workbench design that suits the employee's reach when printing crackers and to find out which material is suitable for retaining heat or reducing the temperature and durable. The results of the table design obtained are in accordance with the collection of amthropometric data from workers. Some of the data measured from workers are the average result of a hand span length of 164.18cm, an average forward hand reach of 66.81cm, an average knee folding height of 39cm and an average elbow height of 25.54cm. After obtaining anthropometric data from workers, the design of the new workbench can be done well.

Physique and performance in male sitting volleyball players: implications for classification and training.

BackgroundThis study assessed whether anthropometry, physical fitness and sport-specific sprint performance vary across the three groups of sitting volleyball (SV) athletes (athletes with a disability (VS1), athletes with a minimal disability (VS2) and able-bodied SV athletes (AB)) in order to explore the validity of the current system of classification. This study also investigated how the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of athletes relate to their sprint performance.MethodsThirty-five SV male athletes aged 37.4 ± 10.8 years and practicing SV at a national/international level volunteered for this study. Testing consisted in the evaluation of linear anthropometry, physical fitness (body composition by-means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and upper-body strength) and sprint performance (5-meter sprint tests, agility test and speed and endurance test).ResultsAthletes in the three groups differed in fat mass percentage (%FM) which was higher in VS1 versus AB at the sub-total level (+9%), in the arms (+15%) and in the non-impaired leg (+8%) regions. Greater hand span, greater length of the impaired lower leg, lower %FM at both the sub-total and regional level and a higher level of strength in the upper body are all associated with better performances in the considered sprint tests (P < 0.05 for all). These results do not confirm the validity of the current system of classification of athletes adopted in SV. Professionals dealing with SV athletes should include specific exercises aimed at improving whole-body and regional body composition and the strength of the trunk and upper limbs in their training programs.

Determinants of hand function in children and adolescent with Down Syndrome-A scoping review

BackgroundDown Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition. Physical characteristics like short stature, hypotonia, small, and thick hands result in decreased grip and pinch strength and quality of fine motor tasks. PurposeThe purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence of upper extremity physical characteristics and its influence on hand function in DS population. Study DesignA scoping review. MethodologyA comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted through PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library. The search was limited to articles written in English and published between 2010 to 2021. Additionally, books were referred for a better understanding of the hand function in DS. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was adopted to develop the protocol. ResultsFollowing a detailed review of 28 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, fetuses with a diagnosis of DS are reported to have shortening of humerus on sonographic markers wherein 9% of fetuses had below 5th percentile shortening. Additionally, literature reports that during reaching there was increased trunk rotation (effect size = 0.88). DS population had 60% less grip strength, 33% less palmar pinch strength ,20% less key pinch strength and poor manual dexterity (CI = 4.5-5.5). ConclusionFindings of this review concludes that physical characteristics of the upper extremity have an influence on hand function performance in children and adolescents with DS.However, only arm length and hand span have been quantified and correlated with grip strength. Further work must focus on correlation of upper extremity anthropometry and overall hand function in children and adolscents with DS.

A multivariate analysis to propose linear models for the stature estimation in the Sabahan young adult population.

Stature is one of the significant parameters to confirm a biological profile besides sex, age, and ancestry. Sabah is in the Eastern part of Malaysia and is populated by multi-ethnic groups. To date, limited studies on stature estimation have been conducted in Sabah. Hence, this study aims to construct population-specific stature estimation equations for the large ethnic groups in Sabah, Malaysia. The aim is to propose linear models using different hand dimensions (hand span, handbreadth, hand length, middle finger length, and the second inter-crease in the middle finger) for the young adult male and females of the major ethnic groups in Sabah. This cross-sectional study framework used stratified random sampling on 184 male and 184 female young adults. An unpaired t-test and a one-way ANOVA were used to assess the differences in the mean between sex and ethnicities, respectively. The link between the response variable and explanatory variables was initially investigated using simple linear regression, followed by multiple linear regression. The present study demonstrated the highest association for the quantitative explanatory variables among hand length and stature (right side: r = 0.833; left side: r = 0.842). Simple equations were specifically developed without sex indicators, and ethnic and multiple linear regression was developed with sex and ethnic indicators. Multiple linear regression provided good estimation r2 = 0.7886 and adjusted r2 = 0.7853. The stature of 18 to 25 year old large ethnic groups in Sabah can be estimated using the developed models 90.218 + 3.845 LHL -5.950 Sex-2.308 Bajau -1.673 KadazanDusun + 2.676 L2ICL. While, formula for each ethnic and sex KadazanDusun Male: Stature = 88.545 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, KadazanDusun Female: Stature = 82.595 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, Bajau Male: Stature = 87.910 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, Bajau Female: Stature = 81.960 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, Malay Male: Stature = 90.218 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, Malay Female: Stature = 84.268 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, Chinese Male: Stature = 90.218 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL, and Chinese Female: Stature = 84.268 + 3.845 LHL+ 2.676 L2ICL. The study reports anthropometric data and formulas for measuring the stature of major ethnic groups in Sabah, which can be used to compare future work.

Long-Term Results of Extensor Indicis Transposition Following Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon after Paediatric Forearm Fracture

A rare but typical perioperative complication in the surgical treatment of pediatric forearm fractures is injury to the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. This article presents the long-term results after reconstruction of the EPL tendon with transposition of the extensor indicis (EI) tendon in children and adolescents after surgically treated forearm fracture. Over a period of 15 years, 22 children up to the age of 16 were treated with EI transposition analogous to adult care. In a follow-up examination, the range of motion of the finger and thumb joints, retropulsion of the thumb and index finger, abduction and opposition were examined. In addition, hand span and strength in the gross, key, and point grasp were measured. Subjective complaints were questioned and the DASH score was assessed. Rupture of the EPL tendon is a rare complication, accounting for 1% of all surgically treated paediatric forearm fractures. 15 patients with an average age of 10.9 years could be followed up for an average of 66.5 months after transposition of the EI tendon. Significant differences were found in reduced mobility of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, isolated extensor strength of the index finger, a reduced span between the thumb and index finger in palmar abduction, and reduced strength in the pointed grip. Subjectively, the differences between the sides were not noticed by the patients and their parents in everyday life. Transposition of the EI tendon for reconstruction of a ruptured EPL tendon as a rare complication after paediatric forearm fracture does lead to a measurable and significant reduction in index finger mobility on the affected side in the long term, but without subjective limitations of the children.

Predicting handgrip power of young adult population among major ethnic groups of Sabah: a multivariate analysis

BackgroundHandgrip power is an essential indicator of health, vital for grasping or gripping sports, and crucial for providing information related to work capacity. The present study investigated any linear relationship of handgrip power with hand anthropometric variables (hand length, handbreadth, middle finger length, second inter-crease length of the middle finger, and hand span), gender, and ethnicity in young adults of Sabah.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study (from January 2020 to December 2021), the adult Sabahan population (18-25 years) was stratified into four ethnicities (KadazanDusun, Bajau, Malay, and Chinese) and was further stratified as males and females. Then, 46 subjects were randomly selected from each gender, and the ethnic group met the intended sample size. The hand dimensions were measured using a digital calliper, and the handgrip power was measured using a portable dynamometer. The relationship between the response variable and explanatory variables was analyzed at first through simple linear regression and then multiple linear regression. R2, adjusted R2, and standard errors of the estimates were used to compare different models. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27 and StatCrunch.ResultsThe study found a linear relationship between gender, height, hand length, handbreadth, hand span, middle finger length, and second inter-crease length of both hands with the corresponding hand’s grip power. The highest percentage (68% and 67%) of handgrip variability was demonstrated by the model predicting handgrip power for right-handed subjects, followed by the general models without stratifying based on hand dominance which was able to explain 63% and 64% of the variability of handgrip power. The study proposes the models for predicted right (RHGP) and left handgrip power (LHGP) of 18 to 25 years old adults from major ethnic groups of Sabah RHGP = − 18.972 − 8.704 Gender + 7.043 Right hand breadth and LHGP = − 11.621 − 9.389 Gender + 5.861 Left hand breadth respectively.ConclusionThe predicted handgrip power would be a key to selecting a better player or a better worker or assessing the prognosis of a disease or the wellbeing of a person. The study can be further expanded to all ethnicities and ages of people of Sabah or even Malaysia.

Reliability of a novel technique to assess palmar contracture in young children with unilateral hand injuries

BackgroundPalmar contracture in young children can have significant developmental consequences. Despite this, objective techniques to measure palmar range of movement and quantify contracture in young children are limited. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of hand span and hand length measures in young children and to establish whether there is any association with age, sex and presence of a palmar burn injury in the reliability of these measures. The study also sought to determine the normative difference and establish a cut off value for the between-hand difference to identify loss of movement in 1 hand. Study designCross sectional MethodsForty-four children aged 0 to <5 years were recruited. Twenty-two children had a unilateral palmar burn injury and 22 did not have a palmar burn injury. Each child's hand span and hand length were measured 3 times. This was performed twice by the first assessor and once by the second assessor. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The largest of the 3 values for both hand span and hand length from the first assessor's first assessment were used to determine the normative between-hand difference. Outliers were removed prior to determining the normative difference. Children were considered outliers if their between-hand difference in hand span and/or hand length was in the top 5% of values. ResultsExcellent reliability was established for hand span and hand length measures for the whole group (intra-rater ICC2,1 ≥0.95, inter-rater ICC2,1 ≥0.94). The mean normative between-hand difference for both measures was 2 mm. The cut-off for the normative difference in hand span was <9 mm and hand length was <6 mm. ConclusionThis measurement technique has excellent reliability and could be a useful method to quantify palmar range of movement and identify contracture in young children with unilateral hand injuries.

Association of handgrip strength with anthropometry of a Brazilian healthy adolescent sample

The importance of dynamometric and anthropometric information for industry is known; however, few studies have investigated the relationship between anthropometry and handgrip strength (HGS) in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of anthropometric variables with the level of HGS production in adolescents. Participants were 541 adolescents aged 12–16 years from a public school in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The behavior of the following variables was examined: the ability to generate HGS, age, total body mass, height and hand dimensions (hand width, hand span, hand length). The results showed an increase in the ability to generate HGS in adolescence and a significant difference between the genders from 13 years old, where boys generated higher HGS values. Correlations between HGS and total body mass and the hand width stood out in both genders, indicating a greater association.

Arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint with or without bioabsorbable polylactide scaffold (RegJoint™) interposition

The RegJoint™, a bioabsorbable polylactide scaffold, was introduced in 2011 for scaphometacarpal interposition following trapeziectomy for osteoarthritis. As previous clinical trials provided controversial results, we aimed to prove the non-inferiority of RegJoint™ interposition. In this retrospective study, first metacarpal suspension arthroplasty alone (SA) was compared to suspension with RegJoint™ interposition (RJ). Thirty-four patients with 37 treated thumbs (SA: 14; RJ: 23) were assessed clinically and radiologically at a mean follow-up of 5.3 ± 2.6 years (SA: 7.96; RJ: 3.73). Patient-reported outcomes were measured on three questionnaires (DASH, PRWE and PEM) and a visual analogue pain scale; there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. Clinical assessment comprised range of motion, opposition, pain, first-ray length, hand span, prominence, instability, force and sensitivity to touch. The RJ group showed significantly better palmar abduction (p = 0.026); the other outcome parameters were comparable in the 2 groups. Follow-up radiographs showed osteolysis in 2 SA hands and 3 RJ hands (p = 0.551). First-ray length had decreased by a mean 4.7 ± 2.7 mm at follow-up (SA: −3.8; RJ: −5.2; p = 0.056). No signs of adverse tissue reactions were observed. We conclude that RegJoint™ spacers do not produce more complications than suspension alone but provide no added benefit.

1548 Refining the Usability of a Novel Visual Field Assessment App

Abstract Introduction A validated visual field chart designed as a simpler adjunct to formal perimeters is being developed into an app. The app aims to empower patients with pituitary tumours to independently assess their central 25˚ visual field with intra-app instructions and share their results with their clinician. NHSx marked usability as an assessment criterion for validating health apps. This study aims to explore and improve the usability of the beta-version of the app. Method Qualitative methods were employed through observation and semi-structured interviews. Recruitment was through convenience sampling. Participants experienced the app solely based on the intra-app information. Meanwhile, a researcher observed the process. Then, qualitative feedback was generated through semi-structured interviews. Observational data was coded and quantified. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes and/or categories of the qualitative feedback. Results 15 participants between 24-58(mean 33.7, SD 10.8) years were recruited. Observational data revealed that 1/15 adhered to all 3 written instructions; 3/15 utilised the hand span distance guidance provided. Participants’ responses on feedback for improvements were coded and categorised. Suggested additional features for improvement – a run-through introduction to the app, a video example of how to conduct the test, a practice run, an option for audio instruction and an option to change font size and type. Suggested additional instructions were to focus on the black dot and remember what you were seeing with the red dots. Conclusions Qualitative methods identified aspects of the app requiring improvements. Participants feedback will be utilised to improve the app.