Understanding patient needs and preferences for joint protection in hand osteoarthritis through mixed methods patient co-design.

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a prevalent chronic condition that impairs quality of life and daily functioning. While joint protection programs (JPPs) offer symptom management, they remain outdated, inaccessible, and poorly tailored to patient needs. This study leverages patient co-design to develop a novel, inclusive, technology-enabled JPP.

Radiocarpal and midcarpal joint congruency after perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations: a cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate carpal joint contact patterns after perilunate injuries and potential associations between functional and radiographic outcomes. Twenty-two patients with a computed tomography (CT) scan at least 2 years postoperatively were reviewed (mean follow-up 15 years). Assessment of carpal degenerative changes was done using Kellgren-Lawrence grading and CT-derived joint space area, which was calculated as the total area with interbone distance less than 2 mm.

Does Orthosis Improve Outcomes of Conservative Treatment in Trigger Fingers? A 3-Arm Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether the addition of an orthosis improved the efficacy of cortisone injection for the nonoperative management of trigger finger.

Design: Block randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Outpatient hand clinic.

The Canadian Prospective Pragmatic Perilunate Outcomes (C3PO) trial; a protocol.

Background: Perilunate spectrum injuries (PSI) are uncommon, but high-energy injuries that result in significant functional implications for patients. The existing literature on PSI is limited to small case-series and there are no evidence-based guidelines for management.

Methods: This manuscript outlines a protocol for a three-armed, national, multi-centre study, which includes a patient injury registry for PSI, as well as associated retrospective and prospective arms.

A Scoping Review of Interventions Aimed at Reducing Fear of Falling in Older Adults With Orthopedic Conditions.

Background And Purpose: Fear of falling (FoF) is a persistent anxiety regarding the risk of falling, which can even impact individuals without a history of falls. Fear of falling has been associated with decreased physical functioning and increased risk of falls. Most interventions have focused on reducing FoF in healthy older adults.

Augmented Reality-Based Finger Joint Range of Motion Measurement: Assessment of Reliability and Concurrent Validity.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the reliability and concurrent validity of finger joint range of motion (ROM) measurement using augmented reality (AR)-based hand tracking in a sample of healthy hands. Additionally, the study aimed to determine which camera view of the hand provided ROM measurements with the highest concurrent validity at each joint.

Methods: A web application developed for smart devices using Google's MediaPipe Hands framework converted AR-generated hand landmark coordinates from camera feed into ROM angle measurements in real time for all joints.

Distal Radius Fracture Rehabilitation.

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is arguably the most common upper extremity fracture resulting from a fall accident. These clinical practice guidelines (CPG) were developed to guide all aspects of the management of DRF by physical therapists and other rehabilitation practitioners, such as certified hand therapists. This CPG employed a systematic review methodology to locate, appraise, and synthesize contemporary evidence while developing practice recommendations for determining the prognosis of outcomes, examination, and interventions while managing individuals with DRF.

Bridge plating is an effective adjunct treatment for complex elbow instability.

Background: Managing persistent elbow instability and chronic dislocations presents challenges despite traditional treatments. Supplementary methods like immobilization and various fixations, though common, can carry high complication rates. This study assesses the efficacy of bridge plating in treating complex elbow instability through a retrospective review of patients.

A systematic review of the psychometric properties of pressure pain detection threshold in evaluating mechanical pain threshold in people with hand or wrist injuries.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the psychometric properties of Pressure Pain Detection Threshold (PPDT) measures in people with hand or wrist injuries.

Study Design And Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched to identify eligible studies evaluating psychometric properties of PPDT in samples composed of at least 50% of people with hand or wrist injury. The Consensus-based Standards for the Measurement of Health Instruments' risk of bias checklist was used to critically appraise the included studies, and qualitative synthesis was performed by pooling the results of all studies that presented the same measurement property using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.

Reliability of the Sigmoid Notch Classification of the Distal Radioulnar Joint.

 The Tolat sigmoid notch classification is a commonly used classification to characterize the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This classification was based on a limited assessment of the entire joint, which may lead to inaccuracies in sigmoid notch evaluation.  The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability of the Tolat classification for sigmoid notch characterization.

The effectiveness of biophysical agents in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome- an umbrella review.

Background: Our objective was to summarize, synthesize, and integrate the evidence evaluating the effectiveness of biophysical agents compared to other conservative treatments, for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: This was an overview of systematic reviews (SRs). We searched several online databases and obtained SRs relating to managing CTS using biophysical agents.

Risk Factors for Complications in Ulnar Shortening Osteotomies: A Multicenter Retrospective Review.

Purpose: Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is commonly performed to alleviate pathologies causing ulnar-sided wrist pain. Surgical complications include nonunion and hardware removal, with rates up to 18% and 45%, respectively. The primary objective of the study was to report the overall complication rate of USO.

Understanding the Experiences of Clinicians Accessing Electronic Databases to Search for Evidence on Pain Management Using a Mixed Methods Approach.

The act of searching and retrieving evidence falls under the second step of the EBP process-tracking down the best evidence. The purpose of this study is to understand the competencies of clinicians accessing electronic databases to search for evidence on pain management using a mixed methods approach. Thirty-seven healthcare professionals (14 occupational therapists, 13 physical therapists, 8 nurses, and 2 psychologists) who are actively involved in pain management were included.

Diagnostic Test Accuracy of Provocative Maneuvers for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to summarize and evaluate the research on the accuracy of provocative maneuvers to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: The MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched, and studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of at least 1 provocative test for CTS were selected. Study characteristics and data about the diagnostic accuracy of the provocative tests for CTS were extracted.

Rehabilitation Interventions for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Objectives: An increasing number of systematic reviews have been conducted on various conservative management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) targeting different rehabilitation interventions and objectives. The intent of this article was to summarize and critically appraise the body of evidence on conservative management of the CRPS and to provide an overall picture of the current state of the literature.

Methods: This study was an overview of systematic reviews on conservative treatments for CRPS.

Indomethacin for heterotopic ossification prophylaxis following surgical treatment of elbow trauma: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Heterotopic ossification is a frequent complication following surgical treatment of elbow trauma. The use of indomethacin to prevent heterotopic ossification is reported in the literature; however, its effectiveness is controversial. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to determine whether indomethacin is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of heterotopic ossification after surgical management of elbow trauma.

Vascularized versus non-vascularized bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion without avascular necrosis: a randomized clinical trial.

In this clinical trial, patients were randomized to receive a pedicled vascularized bone graft, based on the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery, or a non-vascularized iliac crest graft. Fixation was done with K-wires. Union and time to union were assessed using CT scans at regular intervals.

The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Interventions on Pain and Disability for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives: To summarize and critically appraise the body of evidence on conservative management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: We conducted a literature search from inception to November 2021 in the following databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PEDRO, and Psychinfo. Two independent reviewers conducted risk of bias and quality assessment.

Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments.

Although often described as a self-limiting condition and likely to resolve on its own, high recurrence rates and extended sick leave frame a need for effective non-surgical treatment for people with lateral elbow tendinopathy. The interrelationship of histological and structural changes to the tendon, the associated impairments in motor control, and potential changes in pain processing may all drive symptoms. This clinical practice guideline covers the epidemiology, functional anatomy and pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical course, prognosis, differential diagnosis, tests and measures, and interventions for managing lateral elbow tendinopathy in the physical therapy clinic.

An intersectional approach to identifying factors associated with anxiety and depression following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting mental health, with some populations bearing a greater burden. In this cross-sectional online study, we examined the personal and intersectional factors associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression following the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed pre- and post-pandemic levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales, respectively.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Review of Diagnosis and Management.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is one of the most common upper extremity nerve entrapment conditions. Clinical examination and electrodiagnostic studies assist in the diagnosis. Mild cases can be successfully treated conservatively, aiming to reduce traction and compression on the nerve.

Cannabis use patterns among patients with upper extremity conditions at the time of legalization in Canada.

Background: Recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada in 2018. Cannabis use patterns and patient attitudes toward cannabis use, particularly in the context of these legal changes, are not well understood. Our aim was to evaluate baseline cannabis use patterns and attitudes at the time of legalization among patients with upper extremity conditions in Canada.