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Biomedical subjects

G N Groth

Publications and source records attributed to G N Groth.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Goniometry of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, Part I: a survey of instrumentation and placement preferences.

A telephone survey of 231 occupational and physical therapists was conducted to determine goniometric instrumentation and placement preferences for measuring the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the upper extremity. The variables included were academic degree, hand therapy certification, years of therapy experience, years of specialty hand experience, and preferences for goniometric instrumentation and placement. Descriptive statistics revealed a highly experienced population (mean, 11 years) who predominantly preferred the 6" cut-off clear and metal goniometers. Eight additional instruments were also noted. Dorsal placement of the goniometer was preferred by 73% of the practitioners. Lateral placement was occasionally preferred (by 20%) in difficult clinical situations. Seven percent of the practitioners reported always preferring the lateral method. Chi-square analyses revealed no significant relationships between the variables.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Goniometry of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, Part II: placement prefereces, interrater reliability, and concurrent validity.

The purposes of this repeated-measures single-case-design study were to describe goniometric placement preferences and their effect on the measurement of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, to determine interrater reliability, and to determine concurrent validity. Thirty-nine therapists measured one patient dorsally and laterally with the DeVore and the 6" clear goniometers. No significant differences were found between the two goniometers used in the study. Comparison of the means of lateral and dorsal measurements revealed that the only joint associated with a significant difference was the contracted index proximal interphalangeal joint (p=0.0347). Preferences did affect the standard deviations and ranges but not the means of the measurements. Interrater reliability was high (ICC 2,1: 0.99 and 0.86). Clinical and radiographic measurements were markedly different from each other (paired-difference t-tests), leading to inconclusive concurrent validity.

Data Collection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Early active mobilization for flexor tendons repaired using the double loop locking suture technique.

Current suture techniques limit the postoperative management for flexor tendons. A double loop locking suture (DOLLS) technique has been described that provides sufficient in vitro strength (average 4,400 g) for early active mobilization of the flexor tendon. This paper details four cases in which the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons were repaired using the DOLLS technique. Early active mobilization was initiated 3 to 7 days postoperatively. Results were classified according to Strickland's formula. Two patients achieved excellent results, one a good result, and one a fair result. One rupture of a flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon, which had been repaired with a modified Kessler technique, occurred. Although this FDS tendon ruptured, the FDP tendon, which had been repaired with the DOLLS technique, remained intact. With the use of a protective splint, early active mobilization of tendons repaired by the DOLLS technique appears to be an effective method for postoperative management.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The impact of compliance on the rehabilitation of patients with mallet finger injuries.

While patient compliance with hand therapy intuitively seems important to the outcome of treatment, no formal study has validated this assumption. The records of 44 patients who sustained mallet finger injuries were examined retrospectively. Compliance ratings were based on self-reports of performance with home programs and attendance at therapy appointments. Results of therapy were divided into excellent, good, or poor groups depending on the patient's final range of motion and final active extension lag at the distal interphalangeal joint. Statistical analysis reveals that compliant patients have excellent outcomes more often than do noncompliant patients (61.5% and 9.1%, respectively) in the treatment for mallet finger injuries. While increased age may negatively affect the final result of mallet finger injuries, an older individual can favorably influence his or her result by choosing to be compliant with treatment. Even patients who delay initiation of treatment can achieve favorable results.

Adult↗