What is it about?
This article looks at the role that hand therapists play in the non-surgical management of mallet finger. It investigates the different techniques used and evaluates how therapists perceive their role in condition management.
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Why is it important?
Previous literature in this field has failed to look beyond the provision of a splint within conservative mallet finger management. The role of the hand therapist has been under-represented, along with the different techniques and clinical skills that are often required in order to achieve optimal outcome success. This research looked at the role that hand therapists play within condition management and evidenced the diverse range of skills and rehabilitation techniques that are often applied in order to achieve a successful outcome.
Perspectives
I thought that it was important to research how the hand therapist population managed this condition. Previous literature has under-represented the role that therapists play in effectively managing mallet finger. Far from being just a splint provider; hand therapists are able to call upon a diverse range of assessment and clinical skills that can optimise outcome success. I researched the hand therapist population through a survey method but was disappointed by the limited response. Despite the limited generalisability of the results, I felt that the information obtained was worth sharing with the hand therapist community as regards ideas for current practice and with the wider health community, in order to demonstrate the extent and relevance of the hand therapists' role.
Mrs Samantha L Cook
Barnsley Hospital
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: How do hand therapists conservatively manage acute, closed mallet finger? A survey of members of the British Association of Hand Therapists, Hand Therapy, August 2016, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1758998316664822.
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