Supporting Organisation: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
About Kathryn's fellowship project
Title: A Scoping review of Mallet injury treatment
A mallet injury is a common hand injury and accounts for approximately 10% of the hand therapy caseload. It can affect people across all age groups and results in an inability to actively straighten the distal joint of a finger or thumb. Treatment usually involves immobilisation in extension for 6–8 weeks and should begin promptly after injury to optimise outcomes. Treatment is currently delivered face to face, with patients usually attending 4–6 appointments unless complications occur. The second phase of treatment involves supporting the patient to return to normal functional use of the finger or thumb. A range of approaches are used during this phase, including different exercise regimes and approaches to weaning from the splint.
Mapping the evidence on this second phase of treatment will help identify the rehabilitation approaches currently used after immobilisation and the evidence supporting different regimes. Effective rehabilitation needs to be practical for patients to complete at home while supporting functional recovery. This scoping review will identify whether further research is needed to compare rehabilitation regimes, or whether the evidence suggests a preferred approach for specific patient groups.
Contact Kathryn: Kathryn.riley3@nhs.net