Computer-assisted evaluation of hand and arm function after thermal injury.
Comprehensive care of the burned upper extremity requires accurate and complete evaluation of function, including two-point discrimination, active and passive range of motion, and grip strength. These evaluations, when performed serially during a course of therapy, are time-consuming and manpower-intensive. We tested the utility and accuracy of a commercially available computer-assisted impairment evaluation system when used to automate and standardize measurement of upper-extremity function. The function of 80 upper extremities was evaluated with both the conventional and the computer-assisted methods. The time required to perform a complete examination with each method was recorded, and measurements of grip strength and total active motion made with both methods were compared. Complete upper-extremity evaluation required an average of 20.3 minutes with the computer-assisted method, compared to 62.9 minutes with conventional means. Measurements of extremity function with computer-assisted and conventional methods had correlation coefficients of 0.984 for grip strength and 0.996 for total active motion. The computer-assisted impairment evaluation system was found to be a useful and accurate adjunct in the acute and rehabilitative management of burned upper extremities.
Harvey
K D
KD
U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Ft. Sam Houston 78234, TX 78234, USA.
Barillo
D J
DJ
Hobbs
C L
CL
Mozingo
D W
DW
Fitzpatrick
J C
JC
Cioffi
W G
WG
McManus
W F
WF
Pruitt
B A
BA
D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity