Patient experience of distraction splinting for complex finger fracture dislocations.

Abstract

The study design is qualitative phenomenological and grounded theory. Intraarticular fractures of the finger joints can severely limit function due to stiffness and pain. Distraction with early movement is thought to deliver the best results and this has been used to treat these types of injuries at The Alfred Hospital for eight years. Qualitative data from patient interviews were used to describe patients' own experiences of treatment with distraction splinting and identify key issues in patient adherence. The key finding was a disconnect between perceived complexity of injury and treatment. Those who adhered with the treatment regime felt that they were well informed of the reasoning behind it. The hand surgery and therapy team must be aware of the patient experience of complex finger injuries and should ensure patients are well supported with education about their injury and treatment. Early preemptive pain control may help optimize adherence to the splint and exercise regime. Findings can be applied to other acute conditions requiring cumbersome splinting and potentially uncomfortable early exercise routines.

• Authors: Lisa O'Brien, Scott Presnell
• Journal: Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists (J Hand Ther) 2010 Jul-Sep Vol. 23 Issue 3 Pg. 249-9; quiz 260 ISSN: 0894-1130 [Print] United States
• PMID: 20399606 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adult
• Attitude to Health
• Female
• Finger Injuries (psychology, therapy)
• Finger Joint
• Fractures, Bone (therapy)
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Joint Dislocations (therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Patient Education as Topic
• Perception
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Self Efficacy
• Splints
• Traction