• Delmar C Y Lin, Jer-Hao Chang, Shyh-Jou Shieh, Feruth H J Tsai, and Yungling Leo Lee.
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Zhong-Xing Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
• Disabil Rehabil. 2012 Jan 1; 34 (5): 423-8.

PurposeHand strength is a key component in human hand function, especially to those with strength-required jobs. To evaluate post-injury hand strength, this study was conducted to assess the predictability of hand injury severity scoring (HISS) system to hand strength after a period of recovery.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 80 traumatic hand-injured subjects were recruited. Hand strength tests measured by dynamometers were performed by subjects in ways of palmar pinch, lateral pinch and cylindrical grip. The logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk of poor hand strength among the severities represented by HISS scores.ResultsA positive correlation exists between the differences of the strength of two hands, and the severity shown by HISS system in the poorer half of subjects. The risk to be in poorer half of palmar pinch subtest is significant in moderate subgroup of HISS severity. The risk to be in poorer half of cylindrical grip subtest is significant in major subgroup of HISS severity. The risk to be in poorer half of palmar pinch and cylindrical grip subtests is significant in skeletal component of HISS system.ConclusionsHISS is a descriptive severity scoring system to hand injury and also a useful instrument to predict functional outcome. This study revealed the HISS system may predict post-injury hand strength after recovery.

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