Proximal and middle phalangeal fractures in digits 2-5 Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning Fracture at wrist and hand level
Conditions
Interventions
Therapeutic ultrasound and standard hand therapy programme of care (including exercise, oedema control, splints and advice) versus placebo ultrasound and standard hand therapy programme of care.
Sponsors
Derby University (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Closed, extra-articular, proximal or middle phalangeal fractures involving digits 2-5 2. Immobilization with a zimmer splint for 14-21 days 3. Able to attend twice-weekly therapy for six weeks 4. Over 18 years of age
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Compound fractures 2. Multiple fractures within the same digit 3. Intra-articular fractures and concomitant interphalangeal joint dislocations 4. Concomitant tendon injuries 5. Patients having undergone open reduction internal fixation of the fracture 6. Patients with mental impairment 7. Patients who are unable to read or understand English 8. Patients with inflammatory arthritis, significant digital osteoarthritic joint changes or diabetes 9. Patients with a pacemaker 10. Patients with carcinoma 11. Patients with previous injury to the fractured digit 12. Patients with osteoporosis 13. Patients presenting with adhered flexor tendons post-immobilization, requiring anaesthetic block
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Active digital flexion of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the affected and contralateral finger. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Pain score and a measure of flexor tendon glide of affected and contralateral finger. | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed