[Treatment of contracture of the finger joints by capsulectomy and spring-splints]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Physical therapy

Context:

• Contracted proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints significantly impair hand function.
• Current treatments for PIP joint contractures have variable outcomes.

Purpose:

• To evaluate and compare the efficacy of spring-actuated splinting versus capsulectomy for treating contracted PIP joints.
• To identify potential improvements in physico-therapeutic treatment outcomes.

Summary:

• Eighty-four cases of contracted PIP articulations were treated: 50 with spring-actuated splints and 34 with capsulectomy.
• Satisfactory results were achieved in over half of the cases.
• Spring-actuated splints showed advantages over previous methods (Quengel's). Capsulectomy improved motion in 50% of severe cases.

Impact:

• Physico-therapeutic treatments can yield further improvements for PIP joint contractures.
• Spring-actuated splints represent a potentially more effective non-invasive treatment option.
• Capsulectomy remains a viable option for severe cases, offering partial functional recovery.