Journal of Hand Therapy RSS feed: Articles in Press. The Journal of Hand Therapy is designed for hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists, and other hand specialists involved in the rehabilitation of disabling hand problems. The Journal functions as a source of education and information by publishing scientific and clinical articles. Regular features include original reports, clinical reviews, case studies, editorials, and book reviews.http://www.jhandtherapy.org//inpress?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Journal of Hand Therapy0894-11302010-07-20 © 2010 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113010000475/abstract?rss=yesFor many, losing a digit is traumatic, and adjusting to such a loss can be challenging. Not only do patients need to adjust from an occupational, social, and functional perspective, the subsequent pain that can follow after an amputation may also be an issue. The author describes an innovative and inexpensive splinting approach to assist these patients as they adjust after a digital amputation. The splint is designed to assist with the compensatory pain that people frequently feel as they learn to reuse their hand and to give people an understanding of what it feels like to have a prosthetic digit.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorEarly and Temporary Use of Finger Prosthetics to Aid Rehabilitation - Corrected ProofBarbra Samph Almond10.1016/j.jht.2010.04.003Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-07-20Journal of Hand Therapy2010-07-20PRACTICE FORUMhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113010000529/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In hand clinics, the goal of enabling patient improvement is fostered by the use of assessments with the ability to detect change (responsiveness). Thus, for commonly used assessments, investigations are needed to determine a standardized change index, the amount of change exceeding error estimates (minimal detectable change or MDC), and the amount of change shown to make a clinically relevant difference (clinically important difference or CID). The purpose of study was to serve as an introduction for hand therapists to responsiveness designs and indices and to highlight their application within the clinical setting. The study design used was a narrative review. Method papers and research studies addressing responsiveness were selected and summarized. Currently, several good studies of responsiveness have been conducted. However, there is a need to move beyond the calculation of standardized change indices to include the calculation of clinically meaningful values. For many of the assessments used in hand clinics, there is still a call for investigation of the amount of change, which exceeds error estimates (MDC) and the amount of change shown to make a clinically relevant difference (CID). Level of evidence: N/A.Ability to Detect Change in Patient Function: Responsiveness Designs and Methods of Calculation - Corrected ProofLeigh A. Lehman, Craig A. Velozo10.1016/j.jht.2010.05.003Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-07-20Journal of Hand Therapy2010-07-20SCIENTIFIC/CLINICAL ARTICLEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113010000505/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Study Design: Systematic Review.Introduction: Hand therapy interventions for patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) can include splinting, joint protection technique instruction, paraffin, exercises, and provision of a home exercise program.Purpose: Examine the quality of the evidence regarding the hand therapy interventions for hand OA.Methods: Twenty-one studies dated between 1986 and 2009 were included in the systematic review for analysis.Results: The current evidence provides varied support for the interventions of orthotics, hand exercises, joint protection techniques, the utilization of adaptive devices, and paraffin. Findings for the use of joint protection techniques are supported for improvements in function and pain reduction. Minimal evidence exists for paraffin used for the treatment of hand OA.Conclusions: The current literature supports the use of orthotics, hand exercises, application of heat, and joint protection education combined with provision of adaptive equipment to improve grip strength and function.Level of Evidence: 2A.A Systematic Review of Conservative Interventions for Osteoarthritis of the Hand - Corrected ProofKristin Valdes, Tambra Marik10.1016/j.jht.2010.05.001Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-07-09Journal of Hand Therapy2010-07-09SCIENTIFIC/CLINICAL ARTICLEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113010000499/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Study Design: Clinical Measurement.Purpose: To evaluate changes in temporal and amplitude movement accuracy with tasks requiring fine motor manipulation with and without the use of the index finger (WIF).Participants: Twenty right-handed participants (10 males, 10 females, aged 24-47 years) were recruited.Methods: Three objects, ranging in weight and size, that required the use of 2 or 3 fingers were selected for this study. Motor performance was quantified during manipulation of a pen, cork, and wine glass using a computerized visual guided tracking task. The miniBird (Ascension Technology, Burlington, VT, USA) miniature motion tracking sensor was attached to each object to measure and record the 3D linear and angular motion.Results: Task performance and temporal accuracy of the pen task in the normal condition was more accurate (P=.033). During the WIF condition there was significantly more motion performing the wine task (P<.001).Conclusions: The protocol directly measures the ability of the hand to coordinate movement in response to a visual tracking target. Both temporal accuracy and amplitude consistency can be objectively evaluated. The current study evaluates the ability of the hand to manipulate 3 objects used in fine motor manipulation, using motion analysis and visual tracking.Level of Evidence: 3b.Manipulation of Objects with and without the Use of the Index Finger: Implications for Digital Amputations - Corrected ProofElizabeth R. Andersen Hammond, Tony Szturm, Barbara L. Shay10.1016/j.jht.2010.04.005Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-07-07Journal of Hand Therapy2010-07-07SCIENTIFIC/CLINICAL ARTICLEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001537/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The relationship between the flexor and extensor systems of the digits is both intricate and balanced, such that disruption of one system can affect the entire dynamics of the finger. The imbalance may be obvious, whereas the precipitating factor may be less obvious. These authors describe a case and provide a detailed biomechanical analysis of how a flexion contracture of the distal interphalangeal joint led to a swan neck deformity in one of their patients.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorSwan Neck Deformity after Distal Interphalangeal Joint Flexion Contractures: A Biomechanical Analysis - Corrected ProofShrikant J. Chinchalkar, Brent A. Lanting, Douglas Ross10.1016/j.jht.2009.11.005Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-03-02Journal of Hand Therapy2010-03-02PRACTICE FORUMhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001549/abstract?rss=yesTherapists are continually modifying tendon protocols as part of the quest to create the perfect balance between tendon protection and tendon glide. Although much literature exists on the rehabilitation of the long flexor and extensor tendons to the digits, little literature exists on the rehabilitation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. This author used concepts related to tendon glide, tendon tethering, and early active mobilization to create a new splint and subsequent protocol for patients after an EPL laceration near the extensor retinaculum.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorPostoperative Management of Extensor Pollicis Longus Repairs within Close Vicinity to or within the Extensor Retinaculum - Corrected ProofShrikant J. Chinchalkar, Joey G. Pipicelli, Joan Laxamana, Leslie von Dehn10.1016/j.jht.2009.11.006Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-02-11Journal of Hand Therapy2010-02-11PRACTICE FORUM