Reduction of chronic posttraumatic hand edema: a comparison of high voltage pulsed current, intermittent pneumatic compression, and placebo treatments

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and high voltage pulsed current (HVPC) in reducing chronic posttraumatic hand edema. Thirty patients with posttraumatic hand edema were randomly assigned to IPC, HVPC, or placebo-HVPC groups (10 patients in each group). Patients received a single application of the respective treatment for 30 minutes. Measurements were made before and after a 10-minute rest period and after the 30-minute treatment. A volumetric method was used to quantify edema reduction. Reduction in hand edema was significant between the IPC and placebo-HVPC groups (p = .01). Differences in edema reduction between the HVPC and placebo-HVPC groups did not reach statistical significance (p = .04), but were considered clinically significant. There was no significant difference between the IPC and HVPC groups. A single 30-minute administration of IPC produced a significant reduction in hand edema. Additional clinical studies are needed to delineate maximally effective treatment protocols for reduction of chronic posttraumatic hand edema. [Griffin JW, Newsome LS, Stralka SW, et al: Reduction of chronic posttraumatic hand edema: A comparison of high voltage pulsed current, intermittent pneumatic compression, and placebo treatments.     

Upper extremity edema control: rationale of the techniques.

Edema of the upper extremity is a condition frequently encountered by those interested in hand rehabilitation. It frequently accompanies other problems associated with functional restrictions of the upper extremities. Its control and prevention are a part of the total rehabilitation of these extremities. Persistent edema becomes painful, disfiguring, and disabling. Fibrosis develops in the edematous tissue leading to contractures. The susceptibility for infection increases and the functional ability of the limb decreases. Treatment is based upon an understanding of the pathophysiology of edema. Edema occurs when there is an imbalance of effective pressures across the capillary membrane or when there is an obstruction to venous and lymphatic flow. The conservative treatment program consists of elevation, massage, use of external compression devices, exercises, and instructions to avoid contributing factors. This paper will discuss the physiologic rationale for the effectiveness of these treatment methods.     

星状神经节阻滞改善肩手综合征的水肿及关节活动度

INTRODUCTION:Shoulder- hand syndrome(SHS) also called reflective sympathetic malnutrition is a common syndrome and often seen in stroke paralysis,which early manifestation is sudden edema of hand,pain,increased skin temperature,shoulder pain.If treatment is prolonged,muscle atrophy of hand and permanent loss of range of movement might occure.Comprehensive rehabilitation treatment has a good effect on SHS.In this article,effect of block of ganglion stellatum on SHS is observed on base of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment.     

Effects of continuous passive motion and elevation on hand edema

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of continuous passive motion (CPM) of the digits in combination with limb elevation to reduce hand edema. The effects of 30 min of CPM of the digits with the limb elevated were compared with the effects of 30 min of limb elevation alone. Each of 16 subjects with hand edema of varied etiology received both treatments, one on each of 2 consecutive days. Measures of hand volume, finger circumference, and finger stiffness were taken before and after each treatment. Analyses comparing mean percentage change scores for both treatments showed large and significant treatment effects for all three dependent measures. The findings indicate that, for this sample, CPM with limb elevation was a more effective treatment for the reduction of hand edema than limb elevation alone. The results of analyses performed on a subgroup of 11 subjects with hemiplegia were similar, thus suggesting that CPM with limb elevation may be an effective method by which to reduce hand edema for this patient population.     

Acute pulmonary edema associated with placement of waist-high, custom-fit compression stockings.

Compression stockings are a safe, noninvasive treatment for patients with symptomatic orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. In this report, we describe a 75-year-old man who had development of pulmonary edema approximately 45 minutes after placement of compression stockings on the first postoperative day following a carotid endarterectomy. No sudden changes were noted on an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram or in the cardiac isoenzymes associated with the pulmonary edema. The patient had a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus-induced autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and recent surgery near the carotid baroreceptor. All these factors may have limited his ability to compensate for a rapid increase in central blood volume. The temporal relationship of the patient's respiratory distress to the placement of the compression stockings, in the absence of laboratory findings of primary cardiac dysfunction, make stocking-related fluid shift the likely precipitating event in the formation of acute pulmonary edema. This case suggests that compression stockings should be used with caution in patients with limited cardiac reserve.     

Superior vena cava syndrome: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a critical condition in which an intrathoracic mass lesion compresses the SVC and promotes the development of head and upper body edema and cyanosis. SVC syndrome develops in 10% of patients with a right-sided malignant intrathoracic mass lesion. Diagnostic evaluation and emergency therapy are always necessary to assess and alleviate airway obstruction, cerebral venous hypertension and symptoms secondary to mediastinal compression. Radiation therapy and venous bypass of the obstructed SVC are both used successfully as early treatment. Although radiation therapy to the malignant process may provide initial decompression, a more sustained decrease in venous pressure occurs in patients who also undergo decompressive SVC surgical bypass. SVC bypass should be considered early in the course of patients with profound cerebral or laryngeal edema, patients with extensive thrombosis of the SVC, and in rare patients afflicted with severe venous hypertension and in whom a tissue diagnosis requires a mediastinal exploration.     

Lymphatic treatments after orthopedic surgery or injury: A systematic review

BackgroundOrthopedic injuries in conjunction with extensive damage to tissues, bones and blood vessels, usually require a long recovery. Associated consequences are pain, movement limitations, decreased function and occasionally, prolonged edema, which can delay or interfere with the healing process. Lymphatic and compression therapy have become increasingly common, intending to reduce edema and pain, thus, promoting the recovery process.AimsTo examine the efficacy of methods commonly used to reduce edema after orthopedic injury or surgery, i.e. decongestive therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and compression bandaging.MethodsEnglish literature search was undertaken in January 2019, in the following databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PEDro. Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled or quasi-controlled trials in adults who have edema or pain after recent limb trauma or surgery. Two independent assessors rated study quality and risk of bias using the PRISMA recommendations and PEDro score.ResultsWe evaluated 71 papers. After excluding duplicated and irrelevant papers, 15 met the eligibility criteria (6 on lymphatic treatment and 9 on compression). Quality of papers ranged from 3 to 7 on PEDro score; of them, 13 were 1b Level of Evidence and two were 1c.ConclusionAfter elective surgeries, when the significant edema appears or persists beyond recovery time, complex decongestive therapy and manual edema mobilization should be recommended in addition to conventional physical therapy. In acute injuries such as ankle or distal radius fractures, lymphatic treatments and compression bandaging should be considered as part of the therapeutic protocol. Nine studies evaluated different compression modalities found that only multilayer and long stretch compression significantly reduce edema.     

Volumetric comparison of seated and standing test postures

Published protocols for the volumetric assessment of upper-extremity edema differ regarding patients' posture. The present study was designed to determine the effect of posture on test-retest reliability and mean volume. Thirty women were tested in both seated and standing postures. For the dominant hand, test-retest reliabilities for the seated posture were identical to those for the standing posture. Test-retest reliability was slightly stronger for the nondominant hand in sitting than for the same hand in standing. Both postures afforded clinically acceptable test-retest reliabilities. The mean volumes in sitting were significantly lower than those in standing (p less than .0001), thus suggesting that volumetric measures should be considered discontinuous if the patient's test posture is altered. Mean volumes of the dominant hand averaged 9.3 ml more than those of the nondominant hand. It is suggested that this discrepancy be considered in the establishment of goals for edema control and in the determination of the need for continued edema treatment.     

Early rehabilitation of head-neck edema after curative surgery for orofacial tumors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a rehabilitative program for postoperative head-neck edema. DESIGN: Eleven patients completed the study. A series of ten manual lymphatic drainage were initiated and completed early after surgery. On discharge from the hospital, the patients wore "made-to-measure" or customized compression garments for the next several weeks. Tape measurements and sonographic evaluation of the soft-tissue width were used to quantify the extent of the swelling. RESULTS: After 6 wk of therapy, the patients exhibited a statistically significant (P < 0.05; Wilcoxon's test) remission; the remission continued in eight patients who were measured at 12+/-3 wk. CONCLUSIONS: This initial trial demonstrates that sequential therapy of manual lymphatic drainage and compression garments can significantly reduce early postoperative edema after curative surgery for orofacial tumors. The outcome can be quantified by comparing the course of distances between the defined anatomic marks and by sonographic evaluation of soft-tissue width. This pilot study encourages that more controlled, randomized studies, with larger numbers of patients, be conducted to verify these results.     

Burns of the hand. Thermal, chemical, and electrical

The principles of emergency management of the burned hand include early estimate of the depth of injury; prevention of unnecessary post-burn sequelae, such as edema formation and joint stiffness; and measures to ensure prompt healing of the wound. A successful outcome requires correct splinting interspersed with early active motion, control of infection with frequent dressing changes, and early referral to a hand surgeon if the wound cannot be expected to heal by two weeks.     

Evaluating the hand: issues in reliability and validity

Evaluation of hand function is a qualitative and quantitative process. This article provides a review of several quantitative tests and measures used to evaluate range of motion, edema, muscle performance, sensation, dexterity, and physical capacity. The validity and reliability of these instruments are emphasized. Some of the hand assessments reviewed are in the early developmental phase with further refinements yet to come. This article demonstrates the continued need to provide support for the validity and reliability of hand-assessment instrumentation. Regardless of the statistical support provided, however, the authors believe that hand therapy will remain an art as well as a science.     

早期脑梗死的CT诊断

目的:探讨早期脑梗死患者的CT改变特点,提高早期诊断率,为早期治疗赢得宝贵的时间。材料与方法:选择2006年5月—2009年11月我院收集的27例早期脑梗死患者的临床资料,均为12小时以内发病,分析CT检查结果,27例早期脑梗死患者中22例灰质密度减低、灰白质交界消失,表现为边界不清的脑实质密度减低区。15例显示轻微的占位效应,与脑缺血、脑水肿有关,表现为脑皮质沟变浅或消失、脑室受压变形。11例出现脑动脉密度增高征,见于大脑中动脉水平段。结论:早期脑梗死患者的CT表现有其特点,并结合患者的临床症状,能够及早诊断和治疗。     

Prevention of venous ulceration by use of compression after deep vein thrombosis

Venous ulcers may result from damage to the lining of the veins after an occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As the pressure in the damaged venous system remains pathologically high, a result of DVT, swelling develops, hemosiderin staining develops around the ankle area, and varicosities often develop. These symptoms are part of the postphlebitic syndrome and are a precursor to formation of the chronic venous ulcer. The mainstay of treatment or prevention for venous ulcers remains compression therapy. In spite of the evidence that compression is necessary to reduce edema and allow the ulcer to heal, many patients still are not using compression after DVT to prevent ulcer formation. This article describes the prevalence, cost, etiology, and pathophysiology of postphlebitic syndrome and presents the nursing intervention of compression therapy as an ulcer prevention strategy for the patient with DVT. A variety of compression strategies are discussed. A case study of a patient in need of compression therapy is presented.     

机械通气治疗重症手足口病的护理体会

目的:探讨机械通气治疗重症手足口病的护理措施.方法:回顾性分析2011年6月～2012年7月我科收治的重症手足口病给予机械通气的35例患儿的临床资料,并总结护理措施.结果:35例患儿,28例治愈,3例好转,4例合并肺水肿、肺出血、呼吸衰竭等并发症而死亡.结论:重症手足口病机械通气患儿早期有效的护理干预有利于控制病情进展,防止并发症发生.     

From hand twister to mind twister: computer-aided treatment in traumatic wrist fracture.

OBJECTIVE: The use of computers as a treatment modality in the occupational therapy hand clinic is, as yet, not common practice. A computer interface for wrist movements was developed, and a study to justify the application of such a device is presented. METHOD: Forty-seven patients in a day hand clinic who had traumatic fracture of one hand with limitation of wrist mobility participated in the study. Participants were divided into two treatment groups: computer-aided treatment (high technology) and traditional brush machine treatment (low technology). A device was developed based on the brush machine in which the brush machine's mechanism was converted into a medial-lateral joystick. Right-to-left movements were digitally transformed for the use of a computer game. Participants were treated for 5 weeks, and outcome measures included range of motion (ROM), grip strength, edema, and level of interest. RESULTS: Results showed significant improvement in ROM, grip strength, and edema across 5 weeks for all participants. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups in ROM, grip strength, and edema, the computer-aided group showed significantly more interest in treatment than did the brush machine group. Finally, the interaction between treatment group and the attitude toward computers was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the potential for more interesting motor treatment and rehabilitation of the wrist through the use of computer games. The efficacy of using computers in occupational therapy clinics needs further investigation.     

Physical therapy management of hand fractures

Hand fractures can be a complicated management dilemma for both the general clinician and the specialist. To better equip the therapist to treat fractures in the hand, a brief review of bone and articular cartilage healing and the effects of immobilization are reviewed. Active, passive, and resistive exercises for the patient with hand fracture are reviewed in addition to treatment of the associated problems of scar formation, edema, and pain. Static and dynamic splinting techniques are also discussed.     

Manual lymphatic drainage and multilayer compression therapy for vulvar edema: a case series

Abstract

Background and objective: Vulvar edema is a condition rarely reported and without defined treatment that may result in functional limitation. The aim of the report is to describe a case series of patients with disabling vulvar edema of different etiologies that were treated with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and multilayer compression therapy (MCT). Case series: Four cases of vulvar edema are described: one in a woman with cervical cancer; one in a woman in the postoperative period of bilateral adrenalectomy for pheocromocytoma; and two in pregnant women with preeclampsia. All cases were treated with MLD and MCT during hospitalization. Outcomes: Total resolution of the edema occurred in 2 to 5 d of treatment. Conclusion: The present case series is the first to report the use of the MLD and MCT in the successful management of female genital edema. This report suggests that the vulvar edemas for these four patients treated with MLD and MCT seem to resolve faster than expected based on previously reported untreated edemas or edemas treated with different therapeutic approaches.     

Hand function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

The purpose of this study was to assess characteristics of hand function in 30 subjects on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) with a forearm vascular access. Hand function was evaluated by measuring subjects' grip and pinch strength, range of motion, edema, and sensation and with the Grip Function Test and self-assessment scale. A difference in all hand function test results was found in the extremity with the vascular access compared with the contralateral extremity. Comparison of short-term subjects (on MHD less than two years) with long-term subjects (on MHD greater than two years) revealed significantly lower handgrip strength (p less than .05) and pinch strength (p less than .05) and significantly higher hand volume (edema) (p less than .05) in the long-term group than in the short-term group. We suggest that both the chronicity of renal failure and the presence of a vascular access may contribute to deterioration of hand function. The presence of hand deterioration in patients on MHD identifies a new patient population and a need for early baseline measurement and periodic assessment by physical therapists or hand therapists as renal rehabilitation team members.