Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
Measurement of the Hand Transmitted Vibration of the Human Hand Arm System During Operation of a Hand Tractor
Published on: June 16, 2021
Hand Therapist Led Follow-up for Paediatric Hand Trauma - a Retrospective Study of 139 Closed Hand Injuries
Agata Marta Plonczak1, Gordon J McArthur1, Nicola Goldsmith1
1Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust, London.
Insights
Most pediatric hand injuries heal well without surgery. Hand therapy follow-up is safe and effective for children with closed hand trauma, leading to high patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Hand Surgery
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Most pediatric hand injuries are managed non-operatively with positive outcomes.
- Current practice often involves discharge to hand therapy, but supporting literature is limited.
- This study aimed to validate the safety and effectiveness of this protocol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of non-operative management and hand therapy follow-up for pediatric hand trauma.
- To assess patient and parent satisfaction with hand therapy-led care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with closed hand injuries treated between December 2014 and March 2015.
- Data collection included demographics, injury patterns, and clinical outcomes.
- Telephone interviews with patient satisfaction questionnaires were conducted for patients referred to hand therapy.
Main Results:
- 139 pediatric patients were analyzed; phalangeal fractures, volar plate injuries, and metacarpal fractures were most common.
- 88% of patients were managed non-operatively.
- Of 97 patients referred to hand therapy, 51 were contacted; 100% reported satisfaction, and 96% experienced no complications.
Conclusions:
- Non-operative management is effective for most pediatric hand injuries.
- Hand therapy-led follow-up is a safe and effective approach for selected pediatric hand trauma cases.
- This model of care is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction.
Background:
Most hand injuries in children can be managed non-operatively and are associated with excellent outcomes. Whilst the majority of our patients are discharged to the care of hand therapists, there is no literature to support this protocol. Our aim was to ensure this is safe and effective practice.
Material And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients referred to our paediatric hand trauma clinic for closed injuries over a four month period between December 2014 and March 2015. Data related to demographics, injury pattern and clinical outcomes was recorded and analysed. A telephone interview with a patient satisfaction questionnaire was attempted with all patients discharged to the care of hand therapists.
Results:
139 patients were seen in the study period, including 90 males and 49 females. Phalangeal fractures (39%), volar plate injuries (19%) and metacarpal fractures (16%) were the commonest causes of hand trauma. The majority of patients (88%) were managed non-operatively. 97 patients were discharged to hand therapy follow-up and we managed to contact 51 patients (53%). Fifty-one patients (100%) completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire. 100% of the parents were happy with the care, 96% were not disappointed they did not see a doctor and 96% denied any complications.
Conclusion:
1. The majority of paediatric hand injuries can be managed non-operatively with excellent outcomes. 2. Hand therapy led follow-up is appropriate for a selected group of paediatric hand injuries. This study pro-ves that it is safe and effective for the majority of closed hand trauma, as illustrated by low complication rates. 3. Hand therapist led follow up for paediatric hand injuries is associated with high patient satisfaction.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:25Types of Reports I: Hands-off Report
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process:
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
01:20Friendships and Close Friendships
01:17Open and closed-loop control systems
An open-loop control system operates without feedback from the output. It consists of two primary elements: the controller and the controlled process. The controller receives an input signal...