Determinants of disability after proximal interphalangeal joint sprain or dislocation

Abstract

Background: Sprain or dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint may be a useful example of the counterintuitive aspects of recovery as the prognosis is excellent, but protectiveness in response to discomfort often hinders the stretching exercises that are a key component of the recovery process.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between disability and pain self-efficacy in this context.

Methods: A total of 82 patients (54 men and 28 women) were enrolled in this prospective study. Finger motion was measured, and the patients completed measures of upper limb-specific disability (the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), effective coping strategies in response to pain (the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire), and a pain scale at enrollment.

Results: Patients were enrolled a mean of 48 days after injury. The final multivariable model accounting for greater disability included lower self-efficacy, greater symptoms of depression, and gender (women have more disability). Lower self-efficacy was also the strongest predictor of pain intensity and finger stiffness.

Conclusions: Effective coping strategies such as self-efficacy facilitate recovery (less disability, pain, and stiffness) after proximal interphalangeal joint sprain/dislocation.

Level of evidence: Prognostic level I.