Long-Term Functional Results of a Wrist Exercise Program for Patients with Palmar Midcarpal Instability

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Palmar midcarpal instability presents with pain, abnormal joint mobility, and clicking without trauma.
• Limited data exists on conservative treatment effectiveness for this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and long-term functional outcomes of a wrist exercise program for palmar midcarpal instability.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 119 patients diagnosed with palmar midcarpal instability (2005-2011).
• Patients completed Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and SF-36 questionnaires.
• Pain levels and treatment effects were self-reported before and after the exercise program.

Main Results:

• Median follow-up was 6 years.
• Post-treatment median PRWHE score was 35.5.
• Median pain reduced from 8 to 4.
• SF-36 mental and physical component scores were 53.9 and 45.2, respectively.
• Therapeutic effect of the exercise program was rated as 5 (on an unspecified scale).

Conclusions:

• A wrist exercise program yields promising, acceptable long-term functional results for palmar midcarpal instability.
• This conservative approach contributes to a good quality of life despite the chronic nature of the condition.