Hand function and activity performance of children with longitudinal radial deficiency

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Longitudinal radial deficiency treatment outcomes are typically assessed by grip/pinch strength and joint mobility.
• Limited insight exists regarding activity limitations in children with radial deficiency.
• This study investigates hand function impairments and activity limitations in pediatric radial deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess hand function and activity limitations in children with radial deficiency using standardized instruments.
• To explore the relationship between hand function impairments and activity limitations.
• To determine the relationship of these measures with the type of radial deficiency.

Main Methods:

• Twenty children (4-12 years) with radial deficiency underwent evaluation.
• Hand function was measured by grip/pinch strength and active range of motion (ROM) of the wrist and digits.
• Activity performance was assessed using the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and Prosthetic Upper Extremity Functional Index (PUFI).

Main Results:

• Grip and pinch strengths averaged 36% and 30% of reference values, respectively.
• Reduced active ROM was observed, particularly in metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.
• Mean AHA and PUFI scores were 85.5 and 81.8, indicating fair to good activity performance despite impairments.

Conclusions:

• Children with radial deficiency demonstrate functional activity performance despite significant hand impairments.
• The relationship between hand function impairments and activity limitations is not linear.
• Comprehensive treatment evaluations should incorporate assessments of both hand function and activity performance.