Finger Injuries, Hand Injuries
Conditions
Brief summary
Steroids are often prescribed for their anti-inflammatory effects in patients with musculoskeletal injuries. Studies have shown that steroids may reduce pain and swelling, but their effects on range of motion and functional outcomes have not been illustrated. With this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of steroids on range of motion and functional outcomes in non-operatively managed musculoskeletal injuries of the hand.
Detailed description
Previous studies have investigated the effect of steroids on bone healing, edema reduction and postoperative pain. However, there seems to be a lack of literature on whether the use of steroids for their anti-inflammatory effects actually lead to improved range of motion and functional capacity. If the data shows that steroids do indeed help patients achieve increased functional outcomes, they may be used with higher confidence in their beneficial contribution to patient treatment and quality of life. If, however, the data show that steroids do not confer a significant benefit, they can be disregarded as they will avoid the risks associated with steroid use. We aim to investigate if the use of methylprednisolone will result in significantly improved ranges of motion and self-reported function compared to a control group at each measurement time point.
Interventions
Subjects will take a quantity 21 4mg tablets over a 6 week taper.
OTHERStandard Mobilization Treatment
standard treatment of hand injuries with focus on mobilization. No anti-inflammatory medications. Pain management via Tylenol or narcotics if deemed necessary.
Sponsors
Brielle Orthopedics
University Orthopedics Associates
Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
data without intervention identification will be analyzed by outcome assessor
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Patients with soft tissue injuries and stable fractures from the metacarpophalangeal joint to the distal phalanx
Exclusion criteria
* Patients at increased risk of serious side effects of steroid administration. * Patients unable to provide consent * Unable to swallow oral medications * Pregnant women * ages less than 18 years old
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quick DASH Questionnaire | 6 weeks | patient-reported outcome survey that evaluates functionality and patient-perceived disability |
| Thumb Opposition at MCP | initial | degrees of thumb opposition |
| Thumb extension at IP | initial | degrees of thumb IP extension |
| Thumb flexion at IP | initial | degrees of thumb IP flexion |
| wrist flexion | initial | degrees of wrist flexion |
| wrist extension | 12 weeks | degrees of wrist extension |
| hand supination | initial | degrees of hand supination |
| hand pronation | initial | degrees of hand pronation |
| wrist ulnar deviation | initial | degrees of wrist ulnar deviance |
| wrist radial deviation | initial | degrees of radial deviance of the wrist |
| MCP, DIP, PIP of digits 2-5: Flexion | initial | degrees of flexion for MCP, DIP, and PIP of digits 2-5 |
| MCP, DIP, PIP of digits 2-5: Extension | initial | degrees of extension for MCP, DIP, and PIP of digits 2-5 |
| MCP, DIP, PIP of digits 2-5: abduction | initial | degrees of abduction for MCP, DIP, and PIP of digits 2-5 |
| MCP, DIP, PIP of digits 2-5: adduction | initial | degrees of adduction for MCP, DIP, and PIP of digits 2-5 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complications | 3 weeks | list of adverse events |
| Edema Measurements | 3 weeks | measurements of noted edema to the study area |
| VAS Pain Scale | 3 weeks | visual analog pain scale |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactBobby Varghese, MD
Backup ContactAnna Green, MD
Outcome results
None listed