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Review
. 2018 Jun;31(1):3-13.
doi: 10.1177/1569186118764067. Epub 2018 Mar 27.

Orthotic management of fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint following traumatic injury: A systematic review

Nicole Young  1   2 , Nichola Terrington  1 , Diana Francis  2 , Luke S Robinson  3
Affiliations
Review

Orthotic management of fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint following traumatic injury: A systematic review

Nicole Young et al. Hong Kong J Occup Ther. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Background/objective: Fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint can commonly occur following a traumatic injury impacting on hand function and occupational performance. Numerous interventions have been proposed for fixed flexion deformity resolution. This paper investigates the efficacy of static or dynamic orthoses in reducing fixed flexion deformity contracture following traumatic proximal interphalangeal joint injury.

Methods: A multi-database search of three databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE) was conducted. Data extracted for each study were design, patient descriptions, degree of fixed flexion deformity pre- and post-orthoses, and prescribed interventions and exercise programmes.

Results: The search yielded 643 studies, of which eight met the inclusion criteria. Studies used heterogeneous methodologies investigating various orthotic interventions. Meta-analysis or pooling of results was not possible. Dissimilar orthotic wear regimes were noted in all studies and an alternative clinical significance outcome was found.

Conclusion: More research is required to support clinical reasoning in orthotic choice for fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint post-traumatic injury.

Keywords: Trauma; dynamic orthosis; fixed flexion deformity; proximal interphalangeal joint; static orthosis.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRIMSA flow diagram of study selection. Modified from Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(7): e1000097. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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