Factors Affecting Hand Function Following Reconstructive Thumb Operation (RTO): A Report of Eight Cases

抄録

Eight cases that had a reconstructive thumb operation (RTO) and were able to return to work were presented. In the present study, the functions of RT, the influence of the thumb on return to work, and how the recovered hands were used at work were investigated. The reconstructed thumb was evaluated based on the following 6 functions: “aspects of full return to work” (3 items), “thumb motion” (5 items), “sensibility” (3 items), “wrist range of motion (ROM)” (4 items), “strength” (3 items) and “dexterity” (3 items). Subsequently, the relation between the frequency of hand use based on subjective evaluation and each function was investigated. We observed significant correlations of the frequency of hand use with thumb opposition, thumb angle, pinch strength, 2-point discrimination (2PD), and the result of the Moberg picking up test (p<0.05). It was thought that the improvement of pinch strength and dexterity of the thumb as well as that of sensory function was the factor to increase the frequency of hand use based on subjective evaluation, and the active hand therapy was necessary even before the operation.