Pilot Study on The Effectiveness of Relative Motion Orthosis in Finger Motion

Pilot Study on The Effectiveness of Relative Motion Orthosis in Finger Motion

The purpose of this feasibility pilot study is to determine the effectiveness of Relative Motion Orthosis (RMO) in regaining finger range of motion compared to standard care in patients diagnosed with Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) stiffness with an extension lag secondary to finger injury. Participants will be enrolled and randomized into groups receiving either standard conservative interventions or standard interventions in addition to the RMO. The primary endpoint is to evaluate the efficacy of relative motion orthosis in PIP ROM using clinical scoring and physical exam findings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age range 18-80
• Any gender
• Any Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) injury that causes reduced PIP Active Range of Motion (AROM) in extension
• Right or left hand injury
• Level of Chronicity (4 weeks - 6 months)
• Able to follow instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• PIP with hard end feel (feels they need serial casting) - level of chronicity
• Any digital nerve injury / skin laceration that can prevent the patient from using the orthosis
• Severe arthropathy
• Literacy deficits: patients need to be able to follow verbal and written instructions independently to minimize risks and improve outcomes from care.