Hand (New York, N.Y.)
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · May 2021
Accuracy of Wearable Sensor Technology in Hand Goniometry: A Systematic Review.
Wearable devices and sensor technology provide objective, unbiased range of motion measurements that help health care professionals overcome the hindrances of protractor-based goniometry. This review aims to analyze the accuracy of existing wearable sensor technologies for hand range of motion measurement and identify the most accurate one. ⋯ Gloves using inertial sensors were the most accurate. Future studies should use different comparison techniques, such as infrared camera-based goniometry or virtual motion tracking, to evaluate the performance of wearable devices.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Jan 2021
Effectiveness of Quickcast Versus Custom-Fabricated Thermoplastic Orthosis Immobilization for the Treatment of Mallet Fingers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Mallet finger is a common injury involving a detachment of the terminal extensor tendon from the distal phalanx. This injury is usually treated with immobilization in a cast or splint. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes of mallet fingers treated with either a cast (Quickcast) or a traditional thermoplastic custom-fabricated orthosis. ⋯ Quickcast immobilization for the treatment of mallet finger demonstrated fewer skin complications and less pain compared with orfilight custom-fabricated splints.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Jan 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialOpioid Versus Nonopioid Analgesia After Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomized, Prospective Study.
Background: The purpose of this investigation was to compare pain control and patient satisfaction for conventional postoperative opioid analgesia and nonopioid multimodal analgesia after elective open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR). Methods: As part of a randomized, prospective study, patients undergoing primary, elective CTR were randomized to receive either postoperative opioids or nonopioid medications as part of a multimodal pain control strategy. Patients currently taking opioids were excluded. ⋯ Patient satisfaction with their pain control regimen and outcome was not significantly different between the 2 groups at any time point. Conclusions: Nonopioid medications as part of a perioperative pain control strategy demonstrate improved pain scores compared with opioid medications with similar patient satisfaction and functional outcomes. Considering the risks associated with the use of opioid analgesics, we recommend against prescribing opioids after CTR, particularly in patients not currently taking narcotic medications.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Nov 2020
Firework Injuries of the Hand: An Analysis of Treatment and Health Care Utilization.
Background: Firework injuries to the hand can be devastating due to the explosive and ballistic nature of these devices. The aim of this study was to describe the injury and treatment characteristics of patients requiring surgery for firework-related hand injuries and to investigate which factors are associated with an increased utilization of health care resources. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing surgery for firework-related hand injuries at two American College of Surgeons level I trauma centers between 2005 and 2016 was performed. ⋯ Conclusions: The morbidity inflicted by firework injuries to individual patients is substantial. Patients with severe injuries undergo a median of three surgical operations and have a long duration of initial hospital stay. Knowing which factors are associated with an increased utilization of resources can help prognosticate these preventable injuries.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Oct 2020
Variability in Medicaid Reimbursement in Hand Surgery May Lead to Inequality in Access to Patient Care.
Medicare (MCR) and Medicaid (MCD) remain the dominant providers of government-funded health insurance in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variability between MCR and MCD reimbursements for common hand and wrist surgical procedures. We hypothesized that MCD reimbursement rates would have substantial variation between states, whereas MCR rates would remain relatively constant. ⋯ These findings demonstrate a wide variation in MCD payments between states. When compared with MCR, the lower average state MCD reimbursement questions the sustainability for hand surgeons to accept these patients in practice.