From diagnosis to rehabilitation of trigger finger: a narrative review.

Trigger finger (TF), also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis, is a common pathology of the fingers causing functional deficit of the hand. In recent years, new therapeutic approaches such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound-guided (USG) procedures have joined the most traditional conservative treatments as the adaptation of daily activities involving the affected hand and the orthosis. Likewise, the ultrasound (US) examination of the affected finger using modern high-frequency probes has progressively become part of the comprehensive assessment of patients with TF coupled with the medical history, the physical examination, and the functional scales.

Manual Therapy vs. Surgery: Which Is Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief?

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition characterized by compression of the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and hand dysfunction. Both manual therapy and surgical decompression are widely used interventions, but their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain.

Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of manual therapy versus surgery for CTS.

Breaking the Cycle of Pain: The Role of Graded Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition characterized by severe pain and functional impairment. Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Mirror Therapy (MT) have emerged as potential non-invasive treatments; this review evaluates the effectiveness of these therapies in reducing pain, improving function, and managing swelling in CRPS patients. A systematic review was conducted including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated GMI and MT in CRPS patients.

Treatment of wrist stiffness through posture orthosis and active exercise: A case report.

Introduction: Wrist fractures, particularly the distal radius, can result in significant stiffness and hand dysfunction if not mobilized early. The variable immobilization period post-fracture depends on fracture type, location, stability, and surgical intervention. Inadequate early mobilization typically leads to structured stiffness, influenced by patient health, injury mechanism, joint surface involvement, associated tissue injuries, and patient motivation.

Comparing endoscopic and conventional surgery techniques for carpal tunnel syndrome: A retrospective study.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) versus open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), focusing on symptom relief, functional recovery and post-operative complications.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with CTS, randomly assigned to undergo either ECTR (n=23) or OCTR (n=21). Parameters evaluated included post-operative pain, grip strength, functional status using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and time to return to work.

The mechanics of the collateral ligaments in the metacarpophalangeal joints: A scoping review.

Background: The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint's collateral ligaments have been extensively debated, with no clear consensus on their mechanics. Understanding their function is crucial for comprehending joint movement and stability.

Methods: A thorough search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and grey literature.

Effectiveness of cast immobilization in comparison to the gold-standard self-removal orthotic intervention for closed mallet fingers: a randomized clinical trial.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Although orthotic immobilization has become the preferable treatment choice for closed mallet injuries, it is unclear whether orthosis self-removal has an impact on the final outcome.

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment efficacy of cast immobilization of closed mallet fingers using Quickcast(®) (QC) compared to a removable, lever-type thermoplastic orthosis (LTTP).

Alternative splinting approach for proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contractures: no-profile static-progressive splinting and cylinder splint combo.

Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPj) flexion contractures can be challenging contractures to resolve. Through the years, numerous splints have been designed to treat such contractures. However, despite the abundance of available splints, therapists are always modifying splinting designs and incorporating new concepts into these designs to treat this challenging problem.