A pilot study: a randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of therapeutic ultrasound and exercise on active digital flexion following phalangeal fractures

Completed

• Conditions: Proximal and middle phalangeal fractures in digits 2-5; Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning; Fracture at wrist and hand level

• Registration Number: ISRCTN79669268
• Lead Sponsor: Derby University (UK)

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2006-03-01
• Last Update Posted: 13 January 2015

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

1. Closed, extra-articular, proximal or middle phalangeal fractures involving digits 2-5
2. Immobilization with a zimmer splint for 14-21 days
3. Able to attend twice-weekly therapy for six weeks
4. Over 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria

1. Compound fractures
2. Multiple fractures within the same digit
3. Intra-articular fractures and concomitant interphalangeal joint dislocations
4. Concomitant tendon injuries
5. Patients having undergone open reduction internal fixation of the fracture
6. Patients with mental impairment
7. Patients who are unable to read or understand English
8. Patients with inflammatory arthritis, significant digital osteoarthritic joint changes or diabetes
9. Patients with a pacemaker
10. Patients with carcinoma
11. Patients with previous injury to the fractured digit
12. Patients with osteoporosis
13. Patients presenting with adhered flexor tendons post-immobilization, requiring anaesthetic block

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Active digital flexion of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the affected and contralateral finger.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pain score and a measure of flexor tendon glide of affected and contralateral finger.