This project seeks to compare the treatment efficacy of two different approaches to treating interphalangeal joint (PIP) joint injuries. The investigators will compare two participant groups undergoing treatment using the current treatment standard (Coban wrap) as well as an innovative treatment approach (neoprene sleeve) in treating the PIP joint injury.
Hand injuries, specifically those involving the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) can be difficult to treat. These stubborn injuries leave patients with pain, edema, and limitation in function and changes in the aesthetics of the hand. This project would randomize patients with PIP joint injuries including dislocation, volar plate, intra-articular fracture and chip avulsion fracture with ligamentous injury into two groups. The first group will receive the usual treatment including active range motion, edema control - contrast bath and coban. The second group would receive similar treatment except a custom neoprene sleeve will be used in place coban. Outcome measures would include: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), measure of patient satisfaction and compliance with the coban vs a custom neoprene sleeve and a measure of hand function (Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation) as well as a range of motion and edema.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
A Coban bandage or wrap is a self-adhering elastic wrap that sticks to itself but not to skin or clothing. It is commonly used as a wrap on limbs due to its ability to adhere to itself and not loosen. Coban is often used as a compression bandage
Neoprene sleeve is an innovative treatment approach, it consists of a synthetic rubber-like material used to provide compressive support. Neoprene sleeves can provide protection, light compression and mild extension support while allowing full finger flexion.
Unity Health Toronto
Toronto, Canada
Changes in Edema
The aim of the current study is to compare the treatment efficacy of a custom neoprene sleeve vs. a coban wrap in treating PIP joint injuries. In order to measure to measure treatment changes in edema (swelling) for PIP joint injuries. Edema will be measured using an instrument consisting of ring gage to determine whether the patient has experienced a decrease in swelling based on the circumferential numerical measurement comparison from their previous visit.
Time frame: The outcome measures will be collected at various intervals, such as initial visit, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Changes in Pain
The aim of the current study is to compare the treatment efficacy of a custom neoprene sleeve vs. a coban wrap in treating PIP joint injuries. The second primary outcome measure of interest is the level of pain that a patient may be experiencing at various intervals post injury, which can be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
Time frame: The outcome measures will be collected at various intervals, such as initial visit, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Range of Motion
To measure range of motion during patient visit intervals, clinicians will be using an instrument known as a goniometer to determine the extent of which the patient has regained their range of motion post injury between the two treatment conditions (Coban wrap vs. neoprene sleeve).
Time frame: The outcome measures will be collected at various intervals, such as initial visit, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Function and Appearance
To measure function and appearance, clinicians will be administering the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) to determine the extent to which patients report regaining the function of their finger joints post injury, the scale includes a section which addresses patients' perceptions around appearance.
Time frame: The outcome measures will be collected at various intervals, such as initial visit, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
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