Purpose
This study investigated the effectiveness of a relative motion flexion orthosis (RMFO)
for increasing the range of motion for boutonniere deformity.
Methods
We included 28 patients aged 13–62 years with chronic boutonniere deformity who could
complete 0° proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint extension with the pencil test and
were stage 1 according to the Burton classification of boutonniere deformity. At the
initial hand therapy appointment, the RMFO was made. The duration of the orthosis
usage at the initial therapy session, after stopping the use of the orthosis (posttreatment),
and at the follow-up period were noted.
Results
The mean time for orthosis usage of all patients was 11.7 weeks (6–40 weeks). The
mean initial active distal interphalangeal joint flexion was 47° (0° to 90°) and improved
to 66.8° (5° to 110°). The mean initial extension lag of the PIP joint was 22.5° (5°
to 55°) and improved to 12° (0° to 30°). This did not change between discontinuation
of the orthosis and final follow-up.
Conclusions
The use of RMFO is effective in increasing active distal interphalangeal joint flexion
and improving PIP extension in patients with Burton stage 1 chronic boutonniere deformity.
Type of study/level of evıdence
Therapeutic IV.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 04, 2022
Accepted:
August 5,
2022
Received:
October 25,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
