Background: The goal of this study was to compare the two types of orthoses, prefabricated soft splints versus shortthermoplastic custom-made splints, that are the most commonly used for the management of first carpometacarpal(CMC) osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review in the literature based on the Preferred ReportingItems for Systematic Reviews and Me...

BACKGROUND Assessing hand injury is of great interest given the level of involvement of the hand with the environment. Knowing different assessment systems and their limitations generates new perspectives. The integration of digital systems (accelerometry and electromyography) as a tool to supplement functional assessment allows the clinician to know more about the motor component and its relat...

OBJECTIVE To examine the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-instrumental reliability of the digitalized pinch muscle strength dynamometer. METHOD Thirty normal subjects were examined for pinch strength, using both the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized pinch dynamometer. The participants performed all pinch strength tests in the seated position as recommended by the American Society of ...

The aim of this study was to test the effect of an intensive hand exercise programme in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Designed as a clinical controlled trial, the first 30 participants received a conservative exercise programme (CEP), while the next 30 received an intensive exercise programme (IEP). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 2 and 14 weeks. Hand strength, measured...

OBJECTIVE To report preliminary experience on the Camitz operation for elderly Chinese patients in a Hong Kong public hospital. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary referral hospital with hand surgery service in Hong Kong. PATIENTS Between January 2000 and January 2004, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome having the Camitz operation were recruited. They were assessed using the me...

OBJECTIVE To describe the profile of joint mobility and grip and pinch strength of MPS VI patients and to correlate this with urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), ARSB activity, and the distance covered in a 6-minute walking test (6MWT). METHODS This was an observational study of 28 patients with MPS VI, who had not undergone specific treatment. All patients were assessed for ampli...

Since baseball players must grip and pinch the ball, strength is paramount. However, current assessments on various types need to be more comprehensive. This study aimed determine test-retest reliability of different handgrip strengths measured by a dynamometer connected player’s smartphone. Sixty male sponsored secondary schools (middle- high-schools) or colleges varying in age (12–22 years) w...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess flexor pollicis longus tendon by using ultrasound imaging in frequent mobile phone texters. SUBJECTS In total, 149 subjects, aged 18-40 yrs, were recruited as frequent mobile phone texters (n = 71) and infrequent texters (n = 78). METHODS Demographic data and estimate frequency of texting were noted. Thumb pain during activity, range of motion f...

BACKGROUND Patients who undergo carpal tunnel surgery sometimes complain of the restriction of the grip and pinch function, palmar tenderness, cosmetic problems, and scar formation at the site of the incision. AIMS We used a modified mini uni-skin incision with appropriate hand position for microscopic view in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome to prevent cosmetic problems relat...