Hand infection L03.0 L03.1 L03.9 L03.10 L08.9 T89.02 M65.14
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Immobilization with forearm splint
After surgical treatment of the hand infection, patients receive postoperative immobilization of the affected hand using a forearm splint. Mobilization of
Sponsors
BG Tübingen
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Participants must meet all of the following criteria: Age = 18 years Confirmed diagnosis of a hand infection located in the hand or distal to the wrist Inpatient admission to BG Klinik Tübingen Surgical treatment of the hand infection during the inpatient stay Ability to provide written informed consent Willingness to participate in the scheduled follow-up examinations (1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively)
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Participants will be excluded if any of the following criteria apply: Outpatient treatment of the hand infection without inpatient admission No surgical treatment of the hand infection Premature discharge against medical advice during the inpatient stay Pre-existing relevant neurological or motor deficits of the affected hand Systemic immunosuppression (e.g., systemic chemotherapy or systemic glucocorticoid therapy; inhaled glucocorticoids for COPD or asthma are not considered exclusion criteria) Participation in another clinical study that may influence postoperative treatment or outcomes
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| QuickDASH score at 3 months postoperatively The primary endpoint of the study is the QuickDASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand – Short Version) assessed three months after surgical treatment of the hand infection. The QuickDASH is a validated patient-reported outcome measure evaluating function and symptoms of the upper extremity. The score ranges from 0 (no functional impairment) to 100 (maximum functional impairment). The primary objective is to compare functional outcomes between the three postoperative treatment groups. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Pain intensity Pain intensity measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10) three months after surgery. 2. Duration of work incapacity Time until return to work, assessed as self-reported duration of sick leave in days or weeks. 3. Long-term functional outcome QuickDASH score assessed at six and twelve months postoperatively. 4. Range of motion Active range of motion of the fingers (MCP, PIP, DIP joints), wrist, and forearm rotation assessed at follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. 5. Grip strength Maximum grip strength measured using a Jamar® dynamometer at follow-up examinations. 6. Sensory function Two-point discrimination at the fingertips to assess sensory recovery. 7. Inpatient treatment parameters Length of hospital stay and number of required surgical revision procedures. 8. Duration of antibiotic therapy Total duration of systemic antibiotic treatment. 9. Inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte levels measured preoperatively and postoperatively. 10. Tissue microcirculation Non-invasive assessment of tissue perfusion and oxygenation using hyperspectral imaging (TIVITA system) at follow-up visits after 1, 3, and 6 months. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactSelim Atay
BG Tübingen
Outcome results
None listed