- Suite 4G, 9-13 Redmyre Road, Strathfield NSW 2135
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It has been a season of learning! Being a Hand Therapist is constantly evolving and growing. Being a student of medicine and the human body’s response to injury and disease is also ever developing and deepening our understanding. It very much seems that the more you learn the less you actually know!
This year at The International Federation Society of Hand Therapists there was a spectacular collection of research and development in the diagnoses, assessment, and treatment of hand and upper body injuries.
The IFSHT was founded in 1989 and provides global networking and educational opportunities to develop and enhance the practice of hand therapy. Therapists working in the field of hand therapy have extensive knowledge about treatment of the hand and upper body.
Brent Byrne et al., and his principle that an unstable proximal phalanx fracture can be stabilised by the connective tissue extensor apparatus to cover and hold in place approximately 2/3 of the toe bone closest to the metatarsal bone when positioned in maximal flexion. The PIPJ motion into flexion then gives compressive forces to the fracture site, thereby improving stability and enhancing recovery.
This is brilliant thinking and supports what the therapists have been doing at The Hands Physio for a few years now. It also minimises the likelihood of PIPJ contractures, which are particularly common in the small finger. It is fantastic to have a Level 4 scientific article to support our clinical practices.
At The Hands Physio, we are not able to inject lidocaine to ensure closed reduction and correct position of the fracture, so we are only able to treat bone breaks or fractures that have maintained proper alignment with this method. I believe in the future this could change, so more people can be helped with conservative methods to achieve fantastic fracture outcomes.
For full length article:
Byrne, B., etal., (2020) Non-surgical management of isolated proximal phalangeal fractures with immediate mobilisation. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) Vol. 45(2) 126-130.
Contact The Hands Physio today by calling (02) 9743 4672 if you would like more information or require advice on treatment options.
