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 Published by Elsevier Inc. Journal of Hand Therapy0894-11302010-01-18 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001501/abstract?rss=yesAssessing outcomes is vital in any hand therapy practice setting, as it is the primary method of determining whether or not a treatment program is working. In the pediatric population, determining improvements in hand function can be challenging. The author describes using a developmental perspective to evaluate hand function for infants and young children. The utilization of a consistent approach to play along with standard toys is described in this article as a method to evaluate the quality of hand function throughout developmental grasp patterns.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorMeasuring Hand Function in the Young Child - Corrected ProofEmily S. Ho10.1016/j.jht.2009.11.002Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-01-18Journal of Hand Therapy2010-01-18PRACTICE FORUMhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001495/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Fractures of the upper extremity are considered a hallmark of underlying osteopenia or osteoporosis and strong predictors of subsequent fractures. Falling is the strongest single risk factor for fractures in older adults. Studies have shown that interventions to prevent falls can significantly reduce this risk factor. Hand therapists working with patients with an upper extremity injury from a fall cannot assume that screening for osteoporosis or the likelihood of falls has been addressed by other health care professionals. The purposes of this article are to 1) summarize osteoporosis and falls risk screening, 2) describe how fall prevention strategies can be integrated into hand therapy practice, and 3) present evidence for federal and professional organizational support of prevention practice.Screening for Falls and Osteoporosis: Prevention Practice for the Hand Therapist - Corrected ProofMary Thompson, Celinda P. Evitt, Mirtha Montejo Whaley10.1016/j.jht.2009.11.001Journal of Hand Therapy (2010)2010-01-08Journal of Hand Therapy2010-01-08SPECIAL ISSUEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001355/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Narrative Review: Many organ systems in the body can demonstrate signs and symptoms of impairment that mimic integumentary, musculoskeletal, and/or neuromuscular conditions commonly evaluated and treated by the hand therapist. In this review, diseases and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal (GI), hepatic/biliary, and renal/urologic systems capable of referring pain and other symptoms to the upper quadrant are presented. Specifically, these organ systems can refer pain to the sternum, neck, shoulder, scapulae, and subscapular and interscapular regions. Symptom referral from the viscera to the elbow and hand is extremely rare. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome/paresthesias can occur in renal disorders and with hepatic/biliary problems. Following the screening model proposed by Goodman and Snyder, potential origins from the GI, hepatic/biliary, and renal/urologic systems are discussed. The goal is to identify patients with referred pain patterns and associated signs and symptoms of conditions that require referral to a physician or other appropriate health care professional. The alert hand therapist will recognize red flag histories, clinical presentation, and risk factors suggesting the need for a more thorough examination to ensure that the patient/client has a condition requiring intervention that is within the scope of the therapist's practice. Screening principles and tips for physician referral are offered.Level of Evidence: 5.Screening for Gastrointestinal, Hepatic/Biliary, and Renal/Urologic Disease - Corrected ProofCatherine C. Goodman10.1016/j.jht.2009.10.005Journal of Hand Therapy (2009)2009-12-28Journal of Hand Therapy2009-12-28SPECIAL ISSUEhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001483/abstract?rss=yesAlthough protocols provide therapists with the scaffolding with which to build a treatment program, it is the judgment, knowledge, and skills of the therapist, and how the one uses such information that allows for modification of a protocol when deemed necessary. This therapist outlines how she modified a postsurgical protocol by using anatomy, biomechanics, the literature, and clinical judgment. This article describes the methodical approach used to successfully modify a standard postsurgical protocol after a PIP joint arthroplasty.—Victoria Priganc, PhD, OTR, CHT, CLT, Practice Forum EditorPostoperative Management for PIP Joint Pyrocarbon Arthroplasty - Corrected ProofSheri B. Feldscher10.1016/j.jht.2009.10.011Journal of Hand Therapy (2009)2009-12-28Journal of Hand Therapy2009-12-28PRACTICE FORUMhttp://www.jhandtherapy.org/article/PIIS0894113009001252/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Narrative review: Hand therapists must be able to identify signs and symptoms of systemic disease that can mimic integumentary, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal dysfunction evaluated and treated within their scope of practice. Pneumonia, complications of pacemakers, liver disease, kidney stones, ectopic pregnancy, and myocardial ischemia are only a few examples of problems and systemic diseases that can cause shoulder or upper extremity signs or symptoms. A screening model is presented for use by therapists in all practice settings. Information gathered is combined with results from the objective evaluation in making a treatment-versus-referral decision. Knowing the risk factors for various illnesses, diseases, and conditions will help guide the therapist in knowing when to screen for specific problems. Recognizing red flag histories, signs, and symptoms will also alert the therapist to the need for additional questions. Clues to screening and tips for physician referral are offered. Level of Evidence: 5.Screening for Medical Problems in Patients with Upper Extremity Signs and Symptoms - Corrected ProofCatherine C. Goodman10.1016/j.jht.2009.09.005Journal of Hand Therapy (2009)2009-11-30Journal of Hand Therapy2009-11-30SPECIAL ISSUE