Description
Citation:
Yates SE, Glinsky JV, Hirth MJ & Fuller JT. (2024). Orthotic interventions for restoring proximal interphalangeal joint motion for patients with hand injuries or conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Hand Therapy. 37(4):495-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2023.12.018.
Summary of the article
Limitations in proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) motion can lead to significant functional impairment – adequate PIPJ mobility is essential for effective grasp and object manipulation, which underpin independence in activities of daily living. Although orthotic interventions are frequently used to improve PIPJ motion, there is a lack of high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesising the evidence. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of orthotic interventions in restoring PIPJ motion in individuals with conservatively or surgically managed hand injuries or conditions, compared with no intervention or alternative treatments. Understanding the strength of the evidence allows therapists to make informed, evidence-based clinical decisions, justify intervention choices, and optimise functional outcomes for clients with hand impairments.
