不同年龄与不同位置下进行远端指间关节活动度的测量研究

摘要 目的：使用通用量角器测量远端指间关节活动度,探讨不同年龄和不同姿势对测量结果的影响。 方法：选取40名健康志愿者（20名年轻人和20名老年人）,对其在四个姿势下（即姿势1近端指间关节屈曲并主动屈曲远端指间关节、姿势2近端指间关节屈曲并被动屈曲远端指间关节,姿势3近端指间关节伸直并主动屈曲远端指间关节,姿势4近端指间关节伸直并被动屈曲远端指间关节）分别进行远端指间关节活动度的测量。 结果：在同一年龄组,近端指间关节屈曲和伸直位可对远端指间关节的活动度产生明显的影响。即使保持近端指间关节在同一姿势,远端指间关节主动活动度和被动活动度值间差异具有显著性。另外,近端指间关节伸直位时远端指间关节主动屈曲的活动度明显小于近端指间关节屈曲位时远端指间关节被动屈曲的活动度。在同一姿势下,年轻人与老年人的远端指间关节活动度也存在显著性差异。 结论：不同年龄和不同姿势可明显影响远端指间关节活动度的测量结果。     

基于APP的教考结合自主学习模式在小关节超声培训中的应用

目的探讨基于APP的教考结合自主学习模式在小关节超声培训中的应用价值。 方法13名超声医师通过APP中设置的电子课程自主学习“小关节超声评分”，随后进入APP超声图文考核平台，对140个类风湿关节炎手部小关节［第2/3掌指关节（MCP2/3）、腕关节及第2/3远端指间关节（PIP2/3）］以选择题方式进行自主评分，采用超声诊断符合率及组内相关系数（ICC）对培训效果进行分析。 结果在小关节有无滑膜炎、腱鞘炎及骨侵蚀判断方面，观察者间一致性中等~极好（ICC=0.49~0.97），且超声诊断符合率较好（76.4%~90.4%），而滑膜炎能量多普勒超声（PDUS）较灰阶超声评分培训效果好（75.7%/0.88 vs 45.2%/0.65）。其中MCP2滑膜炎PDUS及骨侵蚀培训效果最好（80.8%/0.77、88.5%/0.95）。MCP2/3滑膜炎灰阶超声评分一致性良好，但超声误判较高（0.63、0.75；44.4%、46.2%）。腕关节骨侵蚀及PIP2/3滑膜炎灰阶超声评分一致性较差、超声诊断符合率较低（27.4%~53.8%/0.14~0.37）。腕关节滑膜炎灰阶超声评分、PIP2/3及MCP3骨侵蚀判断超声诊断符合率高，但一致性差（74.40%~81.2%；0.24~0.38）。MCP2与MCP3关节，PIP2与PIP3关节整体超声培训效果相似（71.8%/0.83 vs 64.7%/0.83；58.1%/0.60 vs 59.3%/0.45）。 结论基于APP的自主学习及考核可作为关节超声的有效教学及考核手段，在精细分析考核结果的基础上，针对误判率较高、一致性较差的病变类型进行图像规范化、诊断标准化的递进强化培训，将有助于进一步优化教学效果并提高超声医师临床诊断能力。     

Traction splint for maximum interphalangeal joint flexion

Several splints are being used, both dynamic and static, for the purpose of increasing finger flexion. The joints affected by the splint as well as the maximum degree of motion feasible vary with the splint design. This paper suggests a splint design for which the specific goal is maximum flexion of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints (DIP and PIP) while maintaining metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) flexion.     

重复经颅磁刺激联合常规康复对桡骨远端骨折后复杂区域性疼痛综合征I型患者上肢功能影响1例报道

目的 探讨左侧桡骨远端骨折后并发复杂区域性疼痛综合征(CRPS)患者的发生发展以及重复经颅磁刺激(rTMS)联合常规康复的疗效。方法 对1例患者采用rTMS联合常规康复治疗3周。采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)评价疼痛,测量手体积和手指周径测量评价水肿情况,并测量被动关节活动度,采用改良Barthel指数评价日常生活活动能力。结果 治疗前,患者VAS评分8分,左手容积330 ml,皮温36.8 ℃,左侧肘关节前屈、伸展,左前臂旋前、旋后,左侧腕关节屈曲、伸展、尺侧偏、桡侧偏,左手掌指关节(MCP),近段指间关节(PIP),远端指间关节(DIP)活动均受限,左侧手指周径明显大于右侧,改良Barthel指数85分。3周后,患者VAS疼痛评分2分,左手容积310 ml,皮温33.8 ℃,左侧肘关节,左侧腕关节及左侧MCP、PIP、DIP关节活动度均较前好转,改良Barthel指数100分。结论 采用rTMS联合常规康复治疗桡骨远端骨折后CRPS患者取得较好的疗效,患者左上肢关节活动度、水肿程度明显好转,日常生活活动能力提高。     

超声与磁共振对类风湿关节炎腕手关节病变诊断价值的比较简

目的探讨类风湿关节炎腕手部关节病变的超声和磁共振病变分布特征并比较二者的诊断价值。方法对11例类风湿关节炎患者进行腕手部超声和磁共振检查,计算两种影像方法对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀和肌腱病变的检出率,以磁共振为金标准评价超声对腕手部关节各种病变的诊断效力。结果共评价腕手部103个关节和112个肌腱区域。超声和磁共振对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀、肌腱病变的检出率分别为59．2％、11．7％、18．8％和62．1％、14．6％、32．1％。腕关节三种病变检出率均高于掌指关节和指间关节。腕部伸肌腱病变检出率高于屈肌腱,掌指关节屈肌腱病变检出率高于伸肌腱。与磁共振相比,超声对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀、肌腱病变的诊断敏感性为92．2％、73．3％、59．5％,特异性为94．9％、97．7％、98．6％,阳性预测值为96．7％、84．6％、96．2％,阴性预测值为88．1％、95．6％、80．2％。结论类风湿关节炎腕部受累较掌指关节和近端指问关节常见,腕部伸肌腱病变较屈肌腱病变常见,掌指关节处屈肌腱病变较伸肌腱病变常见。以磁共振为对照,超声检查对腕关节各种病变诊断准确率较高,对掌指关节处伸肌腱病变诊断敏感性较低。     

Application of Automated Hand Ultrasound Scanning and a Simplified Three-Joint Scoring System for Assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity

Ultrasound can be used to objectively diagnose and evaluate disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to determine the value of a new automated hand ultrasound (AHUS) scanning device and a simplified 3-joint ultrasound scoring system (US3) in detecting synovitis in RA. We compared AHUS and traditional ultrasound (US) scanning in detecting synovial hyperplasia (SH), joint effusion, bone erosion and power Doppler (PD) synovitis in 49 patients. In addition, we compared the value of US3 (in which 3 proximal interphalangeal [PIP] and/or metacarpophalangeal [MCP] joints with the highest scores for swelling and tenderness were evaluated) with the 22-joint ultrasound scoring system (US22) in 26 patients. Almost perfect κ coefficients (0.86–0.937) were obtained between AHUS and traditional US in detecting SH, joint effusion, bone erosion and PD synovitis (p < 0.001). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between AHUS and traditional US was 0.955–0.995. Of the US3 findings in AHUS, SH synovitis and PD synovitis were positively correlated with DAS28-CRP (adjusted R² = 0.421, p < 0.0001; adjusted R² = 0.365, p < 0.0001). US3 was highly correlated with US22 in detecting SH and PD synovitis (R = 0.792, p < 0.01; R = 0.948, p < 0.01). Compared with US22, a more significant correlation was identified between US3 scores and most clinical and laboratory values. In conclusion, AHUS performed comparably to traditional US in detecting synovitis in RA, and US3 was highly consistent with US22 in assessing synovitis and was positively correlated with RA disease activity.     

MRI对早期类风湿性关节炎手、腕部关节的诊断价值

目的 研究早期类风湿性关节炎（RA）手、腕部关节的MRI对早期RA的诊断及临床价值。方法 对40例早期RA患者行双手掌指关节及腕关节X线平片检查和MR扫描。对X线和MRI发现的骨侵蚀病灶分别进行计数，并对滑膜炎进行分级评分。同时搜集患者的临床资料包括症状、体征、实验室化验指标。统计并分析X线和MRI征象与临床检查之间的关系。结果 MRI见26例49只腕关节有184处明确的骨侵蚀改变，X线平片仅发现11例14只腕关节21处有骨侵蚀征象。21例患者掌指关节有32处MRI骨侵蚀改变，X线仅发现6处骨侵蚀征象。X线和MRI对早期RA患者的骨侵蚀病灶的检出上的差异有统计学意义。MRI所见40例RA患者均出现滑膜炎性改变，其中31例见明显强化，9例未见明显强化。对明显强化的滑膜炎进行分级评分，腕关节得分为2.5，掌指关节为2.8。腕关节滑膜强化组、无强化组与患者的临床检查的差异性有统计学意义，同时腕关节滑膜炎分级与骨侵蚀征象有较高相关性（r=0.91，P〈0.01）。另外，MRI还可显示早期RA的骨髓水肿、关节积液、肌腱炎等征象。结论 MRI能显示早期RA手腕部关节的病理改变，对骨侵蚀的检出明显优于传统X线检查。MRI可以对早期RA的滑膜炎进行半定量化分级评分，为早期RA滑膜炎的深入研究提供新的平台。早期滑膜炎、骨侵蚀病变对评价RA的活动性及预测疾病进程、预后方面有重要价值。     

超声在早期类风湿性关节炎的临床研究

目的 探讨手部小关节的彩色多普勒超声成像在早期类风湿性关节炎诊断中的临床价值.方法 对38例患者(共836个关节)及20例健康志愿者(共440个关节)采用高频探头进行双手腕关节、掌指关节及近端指间关节超声检查.并随机选取5例患者行核磁对照.结果 38例患者中34例273个关节滑膜增厚;30例112个关节关节腔积液;12例25个关节探及滑膜血管翳;5例5个关节伴有关节周围渗出;3例11个关节可见骨破坏.滑膜增厚发生最多,双手共22个关节中,有19个关节滑膜厚度与健康组比较差异有统计学意义.结论 彩色多普勒超声诊断早期类风湿性关节炎手部小关节滑膜病变为临床提供诊断依据.     

超声与磁共振对类风湿关节炎腕手关节病变诊断价值的比较

  目的  探讨类风湿关节炎腕手部关节病变的超声和磁共振病变分布特征并比较二者的诊断价值。  方法  对11例类风湿关节炎患者进行腕手部超声和磁共振检查, 计算两种影像方法对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀和肌腱病变的检出率, 以磁共振为金标准评价超声对腕手部关节各种病变的诊断效力。  结果  共评价腕手部103个关节和112个肌腱区域。超声和磁共振对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀、肌腱病变的检出率分别为59.2%、11.7%、18.8%和62.1%、14.6%、32.1%。腕关节三种病变检出率均高于掌指关节和指间关节。腕部伸肌腱病变检出率高于屈肌腱, 掌指关节屈肌腱病变检出率高于伸肌腱。与磁共振相比, 超声对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀、肌腱病变的诊断敏感性为92.2%、73.3%、59.5%, 特异性为94.9%、97.7%、98.6%, 阳性预测值为96.7%、84.6%、96.2%, 阴性预测值为88.1%、95.6%、80.2%。  结论  类风湿关节炎腕部受累较掌指关节和近端指间关节常见, 腕部伸肌腱病变较屈肌腱病变常见, 掌指关节处屈肌腱病变较伸肌腱病变常见。以磁共振为对照, 超声检查对腕关节各种病变诊断准确率较高, 对掌指关节处伸肌腱病变诊断敏感性较低。     

Forked finger fillet flap for segmental extensor tendon coverage of an adjacent digit.

Finger fillet flaps have been used to treat a variety of complex hand deformities providing stable soft tissue coverage and preventing pathologic contractures. Fillet flaps have not been reported in the coverage of segmental extensor tendon deficit in an adjacent digit. A 20-year-old man involved in a motor vehicle crash sustaining a 30% total body surface area burn, primarily to left arm and bilateral lower extremities. In particular, his left index finger extensor mechanism was disrupted with exposure of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. In addition, the middle finger had a segmental exposure of the extensor tendon. The nonfunctional index finger was sacrificed to provide coverage, via a forked fillet finger flap, of the exposed extensor tendon at the PIP and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Total active motion of left fingers at 12 months consisted of the third digit 0 to 86 degrees at the MCP joint, 0 to 88 degrees at the PIP joint and 0 to 33 degrees at the distal interphalangeal joint. Gross grip strength improved to 26 lb at 1 year follow-up. Adequate soft tissue coverage of extensor tendons can be challenging in the traumatic hand. With this novel approach of a forked finger fillet flap we were able to provide adequate soft tissue coverage of exposed tendons and joints improving the patient's strength and active range of motion especially in the middle finger. Prevention of postburn boutonnière deformity was an additional benefit.     

Direct, quantitative clinical assessment of hand function: usefulness and reproducibility

Methods of assessing functional impairment in arthritic hands include pain assessments and disability scoring scales which are subjective, variable over time and fail to take account of the patients' need to adapt to deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate measures of functional strength and joint motion in the assessment of the rheumatoid (RA) and osteoarthritic (OA) hand. Ten control subjects, ten RA and ten OA patients were recruited for the study. All underwent pain and disability scoring and functional assessment of the hand using measures of pinch/grip strength and range of joint motion (ROM). Functional assessments including ROM analyses at interphalangeal (IP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and wrist joints along with pinch/grip strength clearly discriminated between patient groups (RA vs. OA MCP ROM P<0.0001), pain and disability scales were unable to. In the RA there were demonstrable relationships between ROM measurements and disability (R2=0.31) as well as disease duration (R2=0.37). Intra-patient measures of strength were robust whereas inter-patient comparisons showed variability. In conclusion, pinch/grip strength and ROM are clinically reproducible assessments that may more accurately reflect functional impairment associated with arthritis.     

Comparison of the effect of passive exercise v static wrapping on finger range of motion in the burned hand

A prospective study was undertaken to compare the use of passive exercise with that of static wrapping to increase finger flexion range of motion in burn patients. Six patients (four males and two females) with combined full- and partial-thickness dorsal hand burns were randomized to receive either treatment. Results showed that metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion improved an average of 7.46 degrees with passive exercise and 2.65 degrees with static wrapping. Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion improved an average of 9.68 degrees with static wrapping and 4.28 degrees with passive exercise. The percentages of improvement in the MCP joint with passive exercise and static wrapping were 8.53% and 2.92%, respectively. In the PIP joint, the respective percentages were 3.69% and 8.09%. All differences were statistically significant at a P value of less than .001. It was concluded that in the rehabilitation of hands and/or fingers with recently healed burns, manual passive exercise is significantly better than static wrapping for increasing MCP joint flexion, while static wrapping is more effective for increasing PIP joint flexion.     

Joint Mobilization of the Hands of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From an Assessor-Blinded,Randomized Crossover Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of manual mobilization of the hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA total of 320 individual hand joints were evaluated after recruiting an experimental research group of 12 participants with RA and, for clinical comparability, 8 participants with hand osteoarthritis (OA). One hand per participant was randomized to receive weekly low-grade (I-II) Kaltenborn manual mobilization, using passive sustained stretch of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints II to V by licensed manual therapists. After 2 weeks, the randomized treated hand was crossed over to control (untreated) during weeks 3 to 4 and vice versa. Final assessment was at 2 months, which was 1 month after the last treatment at week 4. Primary hand outcomes included pain by visual analog scale, tender or swollen joint count, and presence of Doppler signal or synovial fluid and radiographic joint space by musculoskeletal ultrasound.ResultsIn the RA group, both the initially randomized treated hand and the contralateral hand improved significantly from baseline to crossover to follow-up at 2 months (pain outcomes and Doppler signal, P < .050; synovial fluid and MCP joint space, P ≤ .001). Hand pain and MCP joint space also improved significantly in OA. There were no dropouts or reported adverse events in either the RA or OA group.ConclusionIn this study, manual mobilization of the hands of patients with RA was shown to be feasible, safe, and effective to integrate into specialized healthcare.     

Patients With Higher Treatment Outcome Expectations Are More Satisfied With the Results of Nonoperative Treatment for Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: A Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo investigate how satisfaction with treatment outcome is associated with patient mindset and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) scores at baseline and 3 months in patients receiving nonoperative treatment for first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA).DesignCohort studySettingA total of 20 outpatient locations of a clinic for hand surgery and hand therapy in the Netherlands.ParticipantsPatients (N=308) receiving nonoperative treatment for CMC-1 OA, including exercise therapy, an orthosis, or both, between September 2017 and February 2019.InterventionsNonoperative treatment (ie, exercise therapy, an orthosis, or both)Main Outcome MeasuresSatisfaction with treatment outcomes was measured after 3 months of treatment. We measured total MHQ score at baseline and at 3 months. As baseline mindset factors, patients completed questionnaires on treatment outcome expectations, illness perceptions, pain catastrophizing, and psychological distress. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis to identify factors associated with satisfaction with treatment outcomes.ResultsMore positive pretreatment outcome expectations were associated with a higher probability of being satisfied with treatment outcomes at 3 months (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.25). Only a relatively small part (33%) of this association was because of a higher total MHQ score at 3 months. None of the other mindset and hand function variables at baseline were associated with satisfaction with treatment outcomes.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that patients with higher pretreatment outcome expectations are more likely to be satisfied with treatment outcomes after 3 months of nonoperative treatment for CMC-1 OA. This association could only partially be explained by a better functional outcome at 3 months for patients who were satisfied. Health care providers treating patients nonoperatively for CMC-1 OA should be aware of the importance of expectations and may take this into account in pretreatment counseling.     

Randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind study of dextrose prolotherapy for osteoarthritic thumb and finger (DIP, PIP, and trapeziometacarpal) joints: evidence of clinical efficacy

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical benefit of dextrose prolotherapy (injection of growth factors or growth factor stimulators) in osteoarthritic finger joints. DESIGN: Prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Outpatient physical medicine clinic. SUBJECTS: Six months of pain history was required in each joint studied as well as one of the following: grade 2 or 3 osteophyte, grade 2 or 3 joint narrowing, or grade 1 osteophyte plus grade 1 joint narrowing. Distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and trapeziometacarpal (thumb CMC) joints were eligible. Thirteen patients (with seventy-four symptomatic osteoarthitic joints) received active treatment, and fourteen patients (with seventy-six symptomatic osteoarthritic joints) served as controls. INTERVENTION: One half milliliter (0.5 mL) of either 10% dextrose and 0.075% xylocaine in bacteriostatic water (active solution) or 0.075% xylocaine in bacteriostatic water (control solution) was injected on medial and lateral aspects of each affected joint. This was done at 0, 2, and 4 months with assessment at 6 months after first injection. OUTCOME MEASURES: One-hundred millimeter (100 mm) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain at rest, pain with joint movement and pain with grip, and goniometrically-measured joint flexion. RESULTS: Pain at rest and with grip improved more in the dextrose group but not significantly. Improvement in pain with movement of fingers improved significantly more in the dextrose group (42% versus 15% with a p value of .027). Flexion range of motion improved more in the dextrose group (p = .003). Side effects were minimal. CONCLUSION: Dextrose prolotherapy was clinically effective and safe in the treatment of pain with joint movement and range limitation in osteoarthritic finger joints.     

Ultrasound Findings on Hands and Wrists of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relationship with Physical Examination

Diagnosis of synovitis/tenosynovitis by physical examination can be difficult. Ultrasound (US) can be an effective tool for the evaluation of joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study will describe musculoskeletal findings by US in SLE patients and the evaluation of their correlation with physical examination. SLE patients underwent clinical/sonographic evaluation of hand/wrists. In total, 896 joints were evaluated: at least 1 change on physical examination was found in 136 joints and at least 1 US abnormality was found in 65 of 896 joints. Out of the 65 joints with US changes, only 13 had findings on physical examination. Conversely, 111 joints had tenderness on physical examination with no sonographic abnormalities. Tenosynovitis was statistically significant more frequently with joint edema (41%) (p = 0.0003). US can detect musculoskeletal changes in only a minority of symptomatic SLE patients. Clinical findings may be related to some reasons that cannot be explained using US.     

Perforator-based reverse radial forearm flap to reconstruct multiple third-degree burn defects of the fingers.

Adequate soft-tissue coverage is a cornerstone for successful hand reconstruction in burn patients allowing for hand mobilization and rehabilitation. Multiple finger injuries that involve separate soft-tissue defects with complex wounds challenge the reconstruction dilemma. In this case report, a modified application of reverse radial forearm flap for the simultaneous reconstruction of multiple separate finger defects for burn cases is presented. A 23-year-old heavy industry worker is presented with a history of third-degree electrical burn of left index and middle fingers. The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the both fingers were exposed. A distally based radial forearm flap with a dimension 7.5 x 6 cm was planned. The flap was transposed to the distal defect and splitted. The bilobed flap was inset. A tendon graft is used to span the gap of extensor apparatus before insetting the flaps in both fingers. The donor defect was closed primarily. A satisfactory coverage is observed in the recipient areas. Finger functions including full range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal and PIP joints of the index and PIP and distal interphalangeal joints of long fingers were observed. The technique presented here is advantageous as it is easy to perform, covers multiple finger defects simultaneously, avoids long-term immobilization, saves the operative time, avoids microsurgery. Donor site is closed primarily and finally this approach ensures a simultaneous repair of complex wounds with multiple vital anatomical structures i.e. bone, tendon, joint, and soft tissue.     

Mitigation of Articular Cartilage Degeneration and Subchondral Bone Sclerosis in Osteoarthritis Progression Using Low-Intensity Ultrasound Stimulation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-intensity ultrasound on articular cartilage and subchondral bone alterations in joints under normal and functional disuse conditions during osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Total of thirty 5-mo-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n?=?5/group): age-matched group, OA group, OA?+?ultrasound (US) group, hindlimb suspension (HLS) group, HLS?+?OA group and HLS?+?OA?+?US group. The surgical anterior cruciate ligament was used to induce OA in the right knee joints. After 2 wk of OA induction, low-intensity ultrasound generated with a 3-MHz transducer with 20% pulse duty cycle and 30 mW/cm² acoustic intensity was delivered to the right knee joints for 20 min a day, 5 d a week for a total of 6 wk. Then, the right tibias were harvested for micro-computed tomography, histologic and mechanical analysis. Micro-computed tomography results indicated that the thickness and sulfated glycosaminoglycan content of cartilage decreased, but the thickness of the subchondral cortical bone plate and the formation of subchondral trabecular bone increased in the OA group under the normal joint use condition. Furthermore, histologic results revealed that chondrocyte density and arrangement in cartilage corrupted and the underlying subchondral bone increased during OA progression. These changes were accompanied by reductions in mechanical parameters in OA cartilage. However, fewer OA symptoms were observed in the HLS?+?OA group under the joint disuse condition. The cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone sclerosis were alleviated in the US treatment group, especially under normal joint use condition. In conclusion, low-intensity ultrasound could improve cartilage degeneration and subchondral sclerosis during OA progression. Also, it could provide a promising strategy for future clinical treatment for OA patients.     

The difference of subcutaneous digital nerve block method efficacy according to injection location

IntroductionFinger injuries are commonly attended to in the emergency department, and digital nerve block is a frequently performed procedure for such injuries. This study compared the efficacy levels of the subcutaneous method according to the different injection sites.MethodThis was a simulation study for medical students who rendered medical service at the emergency department. One group performed subcutaneous injection of lidocaine at the volar side of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, while another group injected at the volar side of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. The time to anesthesia was measured at 30-s intervals. Pain at the injection site was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS), while the length from the fingertip to the injection site and the circumference of the injection site were measured.ResultsA total of 82 participants were included, with 41 under the MCP joint group and the rest under the PIP joint group. The mean length from the fingertip to the needling point was 3.62 ± 0.63 cm in the PIP joint group and 5.90 ± 0.65 cm in the MCP joint group, while the mean circumference of the needling point was 4.93 ± 0.51 and 5.61 ± 0.58 cm, and the mean time to anesthesia was 2.55 ± 1.11 and 3.79 ± 1.28 min (p-value < 0.001), respectively. The median value of NRS was 4 in both groups (p-value = 0.921). Length was correlated with the time to anesthesia (p-value = 0.018).ConclusionInjection into the PIP joint showed the same anesthetic effect as injection into the MCP joint, but this effect occurred faster in the former.