Compression Device for Hand Injuries

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority

Disqualifiers: Bone, nerve, blood vessel, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: Single session

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The usual treatment for stuck rings includes a variety of techniques including use of ice to reduce swelling, use of lubricants, and sometimes the use of string or ring cutters. The success rate of these techniques is variable and cutting the ring is usually reserved as a last resort. Sometimes removal of a ring can take time, and can cause some small injury to the patient. Because of this, it is important to consider other methods for ring removal. This study is looking at using a device that uses compression to reduce swelling of the finger causing the ring to be stuck. This device has been approved for use in Canada. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how effective a compression device is at removing stuck rings. The study question is: how effective is a compression device at removing stuck rings? A Compression Device (CD) is a device that uses circumferential compression to reduce swelling around a stuck ring. The device is used by placing it near, but not over-top, the offending ring, and then is inflated compressing the finger. The device is applied, and the hand elevated, for approximately five minutes. The device is then removed, and with a small amount of lubricant, the ring is removed. All patients requiring ring removal at the QEII emergency department, if a compression device can be used safely, will be asked if they would like to be included in the study and have their ring removal attempted by a compression device. Following removal attempt, the clinician will document information about the ring removal. This will include some questions regarding the patient's experience with the removal. No identifying information or personal health information will be recorded. The investigators plan to collect information about use of the compression device for a period of one year. Following this time, the data will be analyzed to determine how effective the compression device is at removing rings including statements regarding patient experience. This information will be documented in a manuscript intended for publication and may be presented at academic conferences or other continuing education events. The investigators will be measuring the success rate of ring removal with the compression device. In addition, the investigators will record information on any side effects of use of the compression device, as well as patient experience including pain and satisfaction.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using a compression device for ring removal, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected.

What data supports the effectiveness of the compression device treatment for hand injuries?

Compression gloves, similar to the compression device, are often used for hand arthritis to reduce pain and improve hand function, although evidence for their effectiveness is limited. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the compression device for hand injuries safe for humans?

The whole glove tourniquet, a type of compression device, is considered safe for use during hand surgeries as it reduces the risk of being left on the finger and maintains a clean surgical area. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the Compression Device treatment for hand injuries differ from other treatments?

The Compression Device for hand injuries is unique because it provides targeted compression to aid healing, similar to how compression gloves are used for arthritis, but it is specifically designed for hand injuries. Unlike other treatments, it may offer a customizable fit and pressure, potentially improving comfort and effectiveness. ^{3 11 12 13 14}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people who come to the QEII emergency department with a ring stuck on their finger or those needing clinical help to remove a ring due to health conditions. It's not suitable for individuals where using the compression device isn't safe.

Inclusion Criteria

Criterion: People who come to the QEII emergency department with a ring stuck on their finger or have a health condition that requires a ring to be removed by a clinician.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo ring removal using a compression device

Single session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any side effects and satisfaction post ring removal

1 year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Compression Device

Trial Overview The study tests how well a compression device can remove rings that are stuck on fingers. The device compresses the finger, reducing swelling and allowing removal after applying lubricant. Success rates and patient experiences like pain and satisfaction will be recorded.

Participant Groups

Group I: Participants Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals requiring ring removal.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Lead Sponsor

Trials

302

Recruited

95,300+

Findings from Research

In a pilot study involving eight chronic stroke patients who completed 18 sessions with the Hand Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robot, significant improvements were observed in hand function, including range of motion and grip strength, indicating the robot's potential efficacy in rehabilitation.

A subgroup of six patients with lower muscle tone showed even greater gains in hand function, suggesting that the intervention may be particularly beneficial for individuals with specific characteristics, although further research is needed to optimize treatment for those with higher levels of impairment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical effects of using HEXORR (Hand Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robot) for movement therapy in stroke rehabilitation. Godfrey, SB., Holley, RJ., Lum, PS.[2016]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Robotic Hand Device Safety Study for People With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical effects of using HEXORR (Hand Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robot) for movement therapy in stroke rehabilitation. [2016]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Compression gloves for patients with hand arthritis (C-GLOVES): A feasibility study. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical and cost effectiveness of arthritis gloves in rheumatoid arthritis (A-GLOVES): randomised controlled trial with economic analysis. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hand Extension Robot Orthosis (HERO) Glove: Development and Testing With Stroke Survivors With Severe Hand Impairment. [2020]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Whole Glove Tourniquet Technique Revisited With Video Instruction. [2020]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hand injury from powered wood splitters. [2016]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Epidemiology of adult hand injuries presenting to a tertiary hand surgery unit: a review of 4216 cases. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A profile of sports hand injuries in an accident and emergency department. [2019]

10. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Hand injuries management of care and hand prevention networks]. [2014]

11. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[External fixation in reconstructive hand surgery]. [2016]

12. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of compression pressure from the hand access device on hand microcirculation during hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery. [2018]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adjustable dynamic external splint for control of first web contracture. [2019]

14. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A simple and compressive splint for palmar skin grafting in young children with burns. [2019]