Importance of an Integral Rehabilitation Treatment in Patients With Distal Interphalangeal Joint Amputations in the Workplace

Objective and Hypothesis: This study seeks to analyze the need and importance of an integral rehabilitation treatment in patients with an amputation of the distal interphalangeal joint in the workplace. Therefore, the major features of such treatment are presented as the therapeutic approach and Mirror Therapy is included among others within the protocol. The concept of integrality involves the physical and functional aspects of the patient as well as the psychosocial ones. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of this descriptive retrospective research, 224 working patients with distal interphalangeal amputations have been examined. All patients either with or without machine operation were evaluated between March 2010 and March 2015 in a hand rehabilitation center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition, other variables among patients have been considered (age, sex, dominance, grip strength, and range of motion (ROM) of the injured hand compared with the healthy hand). Data collection was achieved through patient interviews, medical records, assessment of joint mobility, and grip strength measured by Jamar dynamometer. Results: The analysis of the gathered data evidences the advantages that comprehensive rehabilitation has in patients who suffered distal interphalangeal amputations in the workplace. Results display recovery of strength greater than 100% in most of the interviewees and almost complete recovery of ROM in wrist and fingers, as well as reemployment of the patient without job relocation. Conclusion: Results show the significance of an integral rehabilitation treatment in patients with distal interphalangeal amputations. Such treatment helps patients recover in every facet of life: not just regain joint mobility and strength, but the social and emotional aspects as well, including family and work.