Do Intra-articular PIP Fractures Do Better With Swing Traction or No-Traction Protocols? A Cohort Study

Abstract

IFSHT 131SHowever, no study has been conducted on patients' own experiences of early sensory relearning. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one consecutive adult patients with at least 50% median and/or ulnar nerve repair at wrist level, which had completed phase 1 relearning a minimum 3 months ago, were included. The individuals' experience of phase 1 rehabilitation was assessed using the Q-methodology approach combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. In this method, the patient sorts a number of statements about a phenomenon-in this case the early sensory relearning-into a cell grid, representing their experience. Fiftysix statements within 4 topics-(1) to understand the concept, (2) the conditions for operating training (person/ environment/therapist), (3) to create the illusion of sensation, and (4) to complete the sensory training-were developed after pilot interviews, expert group discussion, and pilot testing. Factor analysis was used for data processing of the 31 sorted grids. Results: Three factors emerged that refers to (1) understanding and implementation of the training concept, (2) need for support and feedback during the training, and (3) training with others as a factor for success. Conclusions: With this method, we could identify factors describing patients' experiences from early sensory relearning, and conclude that the specific factors that were identified should be included in future development of programs for person-centered early sensory relearning. Background: Many amputees experience referred sensations described as sensations from the phantom fingers elicited by stimulation of specific skin areas on, eg, the residual limb-a phantom hand map (PHM). Some amputees have a very detailed PHM with a mapping of all fingers, while others have a more "simple" map containing 1 or 2 fingers and others do not have a map at all. The anatomical and physiological substrate behind the PHM is not completely understood. Here, we evaluated the sensory qualities of the PHM. Methods: Touch thresholds and discriminative touch of the PHM were assessed in 10 traumatic forearm amputees. They were assessed for ability to localize touch in the PHM areas, and they were also asked to grade how distinct and similar to normal touch the referred feeling was. Superior Tactile Discrimination in the Phantom Hand Map in Forearm Amputees