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OT in Surgical Conditions (23AOT-501) - Detailed Descriptive Answers


1. Brief Review of Methods of Evaluation and Therapeutic Principles

Methods of Evaluation in OT

Occupational therapy evaluation in surgical conditions covers the following domains:
Subjective Evaluation:
  • Patient history: mechanism of injury, occupation, handedness, prior surgeries
  • Pain assessment: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numeric Pain Rating Scale
  • Functional history: activities of daily living (ADL) limitations, vocational impact
Objective Evaluation:
  • Range of Motion (ROM): Measured with a goniometer for all joints; total active motion (TAM) and total passive motion (TPM) scores are used specifically in hand conditions
  • Muscle Strength: Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) graded 0-5 (MRC scale); pinch and grip dynamometry (Jamar dynamometer)
  • Sensory Testing: Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (for threshold testing), static and moving two-point discrimination (2PD), Tinel's sign, Phalen's test
  • Edema Measurement: Volumetry (water displacement) or circumferential tape measurement
  • Functional Tests: Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Purdue Pegboard Test, Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, Hand) questionnaire
  • Wound Assessment: Appearance, stage, exudate, scar maturity (Vancouver Scar Scale)
  • Psychological Assessment: Depression screening, motivation, compliance assessment

Therapeutic Principles in OT

  1. Restoration of function - restoring maximal functional independence
  2. Prevention of deformity - through splinting, positioning, and early mobilization
  3. Purposeful activity - using occupation-based interventions rather than rote exercises
  4. Graded activity - progressive increase in resistance, complexity, and duration
  5. Patient education - home exercise programs, joint protection, energy conservation
  6. Orthotic intervention - static (immobilization) and dynamic (mobilization) splints
  7. Pain management - modalities such as TENS, ultrasound, fluidotherapy, paraffin wax bath
  8. Psychological support - addressing fear-avoidance, body image concerns, return to work

2. Objectives and Role of Occupational Therapy

The overarching goal of OT in surgical conditions is to help patients regain maximum independence in their occupational roles (self-care, work, leisure) after surgery or trauma. OT bridges the gap between medical/surgical intervention and community reintegration.
Key Objectives:
  • Reduce pain and edema
  • Restore or maintain joint ROM and muscle strength
  • Prevent secondary complications (contracture, adhesions, deformity)
  • Restore sensory function and re-educate sensation
  • Enable return to ADL, work, and community participation
  • Fabricate and fit orthoses as needed

A. Hand Injury

a. Review of Hand Evaluation

A systematic hand evaluation includes:
Observation: Resting posture of the hand (cascade alignment), skin color, trophic changes, swelling, scars, wasting of thenar/hypothenar muscles.
Palpation: Tenderness, temperature, callus formation, nodules (Dupuytren's), trigger points.
Range of Motion:
  • Measured with a finger goniometer
  • Composite fist, hook fist, table-top position used to identify zone of restriction
  • TAM formula: sum of MCP + PIP + DIP flexion minus extension deficit
Grip and Pinch Strength:
  • Jamar dynamometer at position II for grip (normal ~46 kg men, ~26 kg women)
  • Tip pinch, lateral (key) pinch, palmar (3-jaw chuck) pinch with pinch gauge
Sensory Evaluation:
  • Protective sensation: Semmes-Weinstein monofilament 2.83 = normal threshold
  • Discriminative sensation: Static 2PD (normal < 6 mm in fingertip), Moving 2PD
  • Tinel's percussion test along nerve course for reinnervation tracking
Volumetry: Edema measured in milliliters using a water displacement volumeter.
Functional Tests: Jebsen-Taylor, O'Connor Finger Dexterity, grip-strength profiling (bell-shaped effort curve = sincerity of effort test)
Outcome Measures: DASH, Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE)

b. Nerve Injuries - Classification, Repair, and Management

Classification of Nerve Injuries

Seddon's Classification (1943):
GradeNameDescriptionRecovery
INeuropraxiaFocal demyelination; axon intactComplete, weeks to months
IIAxonotmesisAxon disrupted; endoneurium intactGood; 1 mm/day regeneration
IIINeurotmesisComplete nerve severancePoor without surgery
Sunderland's Classification (1951):
  • Grade I: Neuropraxia (conduction block only)
  • Grade II: Axon disrupted, endoneurium intact
  • Grade III: Axon + endoneurium disrupted, perineurium intact
  • Grade IV: Axon + endoneurium + perineurium disrupted, epineurium intact
  • Grade V: Complete nerve division
Mackinnon added Grade VI - mixed injury pattern.

Nerve Repair Process

Following nerve injury:
  1. Wallerian degeneration occurs distal to the injury within 2-3 days
  2. Schwann cell proliferation forms "bands of Bungner" as a scaffold
  3. Axonal sprouting begins from the proximal stump
  4. Regeneration rate: ~1 mm/day (or 1 inch/month)
  5. Tinel's sign advances distally as regeneration progresses
  6. Sensory re-education is needed once protective sensation returns
Surgical options: Primary repair (end-to-end neurorrhaphy), nerve grafting (sural nerve graft when gap >2-3 cm), nerve conduits, nerve transfers

Management of Ulnar Nerve Injury

Level of injury matters:
  • Low ulnar palsy (wrist level): Loss of intrinsic muscles (interossei, hypothenar, 3rd/4th lumbricals). Results in claw hand (ring and little fingers - Benediction sign). Loss of key pinch. Froment's sign positive.
  • High ulnar palsy (elbow level): Additional loss of FCU and medial FDP. Paradoxically, the claw is less severe (no FDP action to produce DIP flexion).
OT Management:
  • Splinting: Anti-claw splint (MCP blocking splint) to prevent hyperextension of ring and little fingers; prevents secondary contracture
  • Sensory re-education for ulnar nerve distribution (little finger, ulnar border of hand)
  • ADL retraining for key pinch activities
  • Strengthening of unaffected muscles; tendon transfer preparation
  • Monitor for Tinel's progression

Management of Median Nerve Injury

  • Low median palsy (wrist/carpal tunnel): Loss of thenar muscles (APB, OP, FPB-superficial head). Loss of opposition and precision pinch (ape thumb deformity). Sensory loss over thumb, index, middle, radial half of ring finger.
  • High median palsy (elbow level): Additional loss of FPL, FDP to index/middle, pronator teres/quadratus, FDS. Loss of index/middle finger flexion and pronation.
OT Management:
  • Opponens splint (short opponens splint) positions thumb in opposition to enable pinch
  • Sensory re-education (tactile discrimination exercises, texture matching)
  • Compensatory strategies for sensory-impaired dominant hand
  • Progressive strengthening and functional re-education

Management of Radial Nerve Injury

  • Classic presentation: Wrist drop (loss of wrist extensors, finger extensors, thumb extensors)
  • High radial nerve palsy also loses triceps (elbow extension)
  • Sensory loss over dorsoradial hand/first web space (superficial radial nerve)
OT Management:
  • Dynamic wrist extension splint (lively splint) - restores functional grip by holding wrist in extension; prevents overstretching of extensors
  • EDC-assisted extension dynamic splint for finger extension
  • Saturday night palsy (humeral spiral groove injury) has excellent prognosis; wait-and-watch with serial EMG
  • Tendon transfer preparation if no recovery by 3-6 months

c. Tendon Injuries - Repair and Post-operative Management

Flexor Tendon Injuries

Verdan's Zones of Flexor Tendon Injury (Zones I-V):
  • Zone I: Distal to FDS insertion (only FDP)
  • Zone II ("No Man's Land"): From A1 pulley to FDS insertion - most difficult; prone to adhesion
  • Zone III: Lumbrical origin to A1 pulley (palm)
  • Zone IV: Within carpal tunnel
  • Zone V: Proximal to carpal tunnel (wrist/forearm)
Repair: Primary repair within 12-24 hours is preferred. Core suture (4-strand or 6-strand for zone II) plus epitendinous suture.
Post-operative Rehabilitation Protocols:
  1. Controlled passive mobilization (Kleinert protocol): Dynamic traction splint; active extension + passive flexion via rubber band traction from fingernail to wrist. Starts day 1-3 post-repair.
  2. Controlled active mobilization (Belfast/Manchester protocol): Place-and-hold technique; active flexion initiated early (day 1-3). Stronger repair required (4-6 strand).
  3. Immobilization protocol: Used when compliance is poor; wrist in 20-30 flexion, MCPs in 60-70 flexion; only for unreliable patients.
Progression:
  • Week 0-3: Passive mobilization, edema control, scar management
  • Week 3-6: Gentle active motion, progressive range
  • Week 6-8: Resistive exercises begin
  • Week 12: Return to work (light); heavy work at 4-6 months

Extensor Tendon Injuries

Verdan's Zones of Extensor Tendon Injury (Zones I-VIII):
  • Zone I: DIP joint - mallet finger
  • Zone II: Middle phalanx
  • Zone III: PIP joint - boutonniere deformity risk
  • Zone IV: Proximal phalanx
  • Zone V: MCP joint
  • Zone VI/VII: Dorsum of hand/wrist
Common Deformities:
  • Mallet finger (Zone I injury): DIP held in flexion; extensor tendon avulsion. Treat with DIP extension splint for 6-8 weeks (uninterrupted)
  • Boutonniere deformity (Zone III injury): Central slip rupture; lateral bands migrate volarward. PIP flexion + DIP hyperextension. Splint: PIP extension splint; DIP free/flexed to pull laterals dorsally.
  • Sagittal band rupture (Zone V): EDC subluxation; finger deviates on fist
Post-operative Protocol (immediate controlled motion):
  • Dynamic extension splint with resistance to flexion
  • Yoke splint for zone V-VI injuries
  • Progression similar to flexor protocol but earlier active use due to better vascular supply

d. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include skin lacerations, degloving, crush injuries, and avulsions.
Types:
  • Contusions: Blunt trauma; hematoma, edema, no skin break
  • Abrasions: Superficial; risk of traumatic tattooing
  • Lacerations: Sharp or blunt; may involve underlying structures
  • Avulsion: Skin/soft tissue torn away; ring avulsion injuries (Urbaniak classification)
  • Degloving: Circumferential avulsion; requires flap coverage
OT Management:
  • Wound care and dressing (moist wound healing principles)
  • Edema management: elevation, retrograde massage, compression garments
  • Scar management: silicone gel sheets, pressure therapy, scar massage
  • Desensitization for hypersensitive scars or re-innervated tissue
  • ROM exercises once wound healing permits
  • Protective splinting during healing

e. Fractures of the Hand

Classification:
  • By location: Phalangeal (distal, middle, proximal), metacarpal, carpals
  • By pattern: transverse, spiral, oblique, comminuted, avulsion
  • By stability: stable vs. unstable (rotational or angular deformity)
  • By articular involvement: extra-articular vs. intra-articular
Common Fractures:
  • Boxer's fracture: 4th/5th metacarpal neck; apex dorsal angulation
  • Bennett's fracture: Intra-articular fracture at base of 1st metacarpal with subluxation
  • Rolando's fracture: Comminuted Bennett's
  • Mallet fracture: Bony avulsion at DIP
Post-fracture OT Management:
  • Immobilization phase (0-3 weeks): Splinting in position of safe immobilization (POSI): wrist 20-30 extension, MCP 70-90 flexion, IPs in extension; prevents intrinsic-plus contracture
  • Mobilization phase (3-6 weeks): Active and active-assisted ROM; composite flexion exercises; buddy taping for adjacent digit stability
  • Strengthening phase (6-12 weeks): Putty exercises, grip strengthening, pinch strengthening
  • Scar and edema management throughout
  • Return to work assessment

f. Management of Crush Injury with Emphasis on Hand Rehabilitation

Crush injuries involve compression of multiple tissue types simultaneously - bone, tendon, nerve, vessel, and skin.
Immediate Concerns:
  • Compartment syndrome: measure intracompartmental pressures; fasciotomy if >30 mmHg or within 30 mmHg of diastolic BP
  • Vascular compromise: Doppler assessment, urgent revascularization if ischemia
  • Degloving, fractures, tendon/nerve disruption
Rehabilitation Phases:
Phase 1 - Acute (0-3 weeks):
  • Edema control: elevation above heart, compression, retrograde massage
  • Wound management: debridements, dressings, skin grafting
  • Splinting for joint protection and anti-deformity positioning
  • Pain management: modalities (TENS, ice/heat)
  • Gentle passive ROM to maintain joint mobility
Phase 2 - Subacute (3-8 weeks):
  • Progressive ROM (passive → active-assisted → active)
  • Scar management: silicone, massage, pressure therapy
  • Sensory re-education if nerve involved
  • Desensitization for hypersensitivity
  • ADL retraining
Phase 3 - Rehabilitation (8+ weeks):
  • Strengthening: putty, hand exercisers, resistance bands
  • Coordination and dexterity training: pegboards, fine motor tasks
  • Work simulation and work hardening
  • Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) before return to work
  • Vocational rehabilitation and adaptive equipment if permanent deficit
Psychological aspects: PTSD, fear of re-injury, body image disturbance need to be addressed.

B. Burns

Types of Burns

TypeMechanismDepthTissue Involved
ThermalFlame, scald, contactVariesSkin, subcutaneous
ChemicalAcid, alkaliDeep, progressiveSkin, deeper structures
ElectricalAC/DC currentDeep, tracks along nerve/vesselsMulti-systemic
RadiationUV, ionizing radiationSuperficial to deepSkin
InhalationHot gases, smokeMucosa, airwaysAirways

Classification of Burns by Depth

Superficial (First Degree):
  • Epidermis only (e.g., sunburn)
  • Red, dry, painful; no blisters
  • Heals in 3-5 days; no scarring
Superficial Partial Thickness (Superficial Second Degree):
  • Epidermis + superficial dermis
  • Moist, blisters, red, very painful
  • Heals in 7-14 days; minimal scarring
Deep Partial Thickness (Deep Second Degree):
  • Extends to deep dermis
  • White/pale, less painful (nerve damage), wet
  • Heals 21-35 days with significant scarring; often needs grafting
Full Thickness (Third Degree):
  • Entire epidermis and dermis
  • Leathery, dry, brown/black, painless (nerves destroyed)
  • No self-healing; requires skin grafting
Fourth Degree:
  • Through skin to fat, muscle, bone
  • Severe; amputation often required
Rule of Nines (for BSA estimation in adults):
  • Head and neck: 9%
  • Each arm: 9%
  • Anterior trunk: 18%; Posterior trunk: 18%
  • Each leg: 18%
  • Perineum: 1%

Recovery Process (Wound Healing Phases)

  1. Hemostasis/Inflammation: 0-5 days; cytokine release, eschar formation
  2. Proliferative phase: Day 5-21; granulation tissue, collagen deposition, wound contraction
  3. Remodeling phase: Weeks to years; collagen cross-linking, scar maturation

Post-burn Complications

Contractures:
  • Most common post-burn complication in OT practice
  • Result from wound contraction across joints
  • Common sites: neck (neck flexion contracture), axilla, elbow (flexion), hand (intrinsic minus, web space), knee, ankle
  • Prevention: Correct anti-deformity positioning, serial splinting, early ROM
  • Treatment: Splinting, serial casting, Z-plasty, skin grafting (contracture release)
Heterotrophic (Heterotopic) Ossification (HO):
  • Abnormal bone formation in soft tissues, especially at elbow after electrical burns
  • Presents as pain, swelling, decreased ROM
  • Diagnosed by X-ray or bone scan
  • Treatment: NSAIDs (prophylaxis), ROM within pain-free range, surgical excision after maturation (18-24 months)
Hypertrophic Scarring:
  • Raised, red, firm, pruritic scar confined to wound margins
  • Different from keloid (which extends beyond wound margins)
  • Begins 6-8 weeks post-injury; may resolve over 1-3 years
  • Treatment:
    • Pressure garments: 23-24 hours/day; 25 mmHg pressure; worn for 12-24 months
    • Silicone gel sheeting
    • Scar massage
    • Intralesional steroid injections (triamcinolone)
    • Laser therapy, surgical excision + grafting in severe cases
Cosmetic Disfigurement:
  • Pigmentation changes (hypo/hyperpigmentation)
  • Facial disfigurement: nasal/ear deformity, microstomia, ectropion
  • Microstomia splint to maintain oral aperture
  • Psychosocial impact: depression, social withdrawal; body image rehabilitation needed

Pre-operative OT Management (Burns)

  • Edema reduction and positioning
  • ROM maintenance through active/passive exercises
  • Serial splinting to prevent contracture before grafting
  • Patient/family education on wound care
  • Psychosocial preparation for surgery

Post-operative OT Management (Burns)

  • Skin graft: immobilize for 5-7 days (graft take phase); then progressive ROM
  • Pressure garments custom-fitted after graft maturity (~3 weeks)
  • Scar management program (massage, silicone, pressure)
  • Splinting to maintain corrected position
  • ADL training, adaptive equipment
  • Community reintegration and return to work

C. Cardiothoracic Surgery - OT Management

Review of Cardiothoracic Surgical Procedures

Common procedures include:
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  • Valve replacement/repair (aortic, mitral)
  • Pulmonary resection (lobectomy, pneumonectomy)
  • Thoracotomy for pleural disease
  • Pericardectomy
  • Heart transplantation
  • LVAD (left ventricular assist device) insertion

Pre-operative OT Management

The pre-operative phase ("prehabilitation") aims to optimize the patient's functional capacity before surgery:
  • Functional assessment: ADL capacity, exercise tolerance, prior function
  • Education: Explanation of post-operative precautions (sternal precautions after median sternotomy - no pushing/pulling >2.3 kg for 6-8 weeks), breathing exercises
  • Energy conservation and work simplification techniques taught pre-operatively
  • Anxiety management: Relaxation techniques, mindfulness
  • Upper extremity ROM baseline documentation
  • Adaptive equipment introduction (grab rails, raised toilet seat, bath bench)

Post-operative OT Management

Sternal Precautions (post-median sternotomy):
  • Avoid lifting, pushing, pulling > 2-5 kg
  • No bilateral arm elevation above shoulder simultaneously
  • Support chest when coughing ("pillow hugging")
  • Duration: typically 6-8 weeks; based on sternal healing
Immediate Post-op Phase (ICU/Ward - Days 1-7):
  • Bed mobility and transfers with precautions
  • Basic self-care (washing face, feeding) - low-demand ADL
  • Sitting out of bed, standing tolerance
  • Deep breathing exercises and splinted coughing
  • Edema management if saphenous vein graft harvest site is present (compression stocking)
  • Cardiac monitoring during all activities
Progressive Phase (Weeks 2-6):
  • Graded ADL progression using metabolic equivalents (METs): Start with <2 MET activities (brushing teeth, light hygiene), progressing to 3-4 METs (walking, light housework)
  • Energy conservation: sit to perform tasks, avoid Valsalva maneuver (no breath-holding during exertion)
  • Dyspnea monitoring using Borg Scale
  • Upper extremity exercises progressing in intensity
  • Driving restriction education (usually 4-6 weeks post-CABG)
Late Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 6-12):
  • Cardiac rehabilitation program participation (Phase II)
  • Return to work assessment (sedentary jobs at 4-6 weeks, manual labor at 3-6 months)
  • Vocational rehabilitation if prior work is now contraindicated
  • Psychosocial support (depression affects ~30% of post-cardiac surgery patients)
  • Sexual activity resumption counseling (~6 weeks for most patients)

D. Plastic Surgery - OT Management

Brief Review of Surgical Procedures

Grafts:
  • Split thickness skin graft (STSG): Epidermis + partial dermis; harvested with dermatome; donor site heals itself; used for large areas (burns)
  • Full thickness skin graft (FTSG): Epidermis + full dermis; better cosmesis and durability; limited donor areas (groin, retroauricular); used for face, hands
  • Composite grafts: Include cartilage, fat; used for ear, nasal reconstruction
Flaps (vascularized tissue transfers):
  • Local flaps: Rotation, transposition, advancement (Z-plasty, V-Y)
  • Regional flaps: Pedicled flaps (groin flap, forehead flap)
  • Free flaps (microsurgical): Complete detachment and vascular anastomosis at recipient site (radial forearm free flap, ALT flap, latissimus dorsi free flap)
Transplants:
  • Hand/face transplantation (composite tissue allotransplantation - CTA): Lifelong immunosuppression required; OT plays major role in sensorimotor rehabilitation
Cosmetic Surgery:
  • Rhinoplasty, rhytidectomy (face lift), mammoplasty, liposuction, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty

Pre-operative OT Management (Plastic Surgery)

  • Baseline ROM and sensory documentation
  • Psychosocial preparation and goal-setting (especially for disfiguring injuries)
  • Positioning education to optimize flap vascular access post-op
  • Splint pre-fabrication for post-op immobilization positions
  • Education about post-operative care and expectations

Post-operative OT Management

Skin Graft Post-op:
  • Immobilization of graft site for 5-7 days (bolster dressing phase)
  • After take confirmed: progressive ROM, scar management
  • Donor site wound care and protection
  • Pressure garments over graft once healed
Flap Post-op:
  • Protect pedicle/vascular anastomosis; no compression on pedicle
  • Positioning: Elevate; avoid kinking of pedicle
  • Temperature monitoring of flap (hourly initially)
  • Once flap viable (1-2 weeks): progressive ROM, ADL reintegration
  • Sensory re-education once reinnervation begins (in neurosensory flaps)
Hand Transplant Post-op:
  • Intensive sensorimotor rehabilitation for 12-18 months
  • Cortical remapping support via mirror therapy, sensory re-education
  • Splinting for anti-deformity positioning
  • Progressive functional use - tendon gliding, dexterity training, ADL retraining
Cosmetic Surgery Post-op:
  • Scar management
  • Activity restrictions post-abdominoplasty or mammoplasty (core loading precautions)
  • Return to daily activities counseling

E. Oncological Rehabilitation with Emphasis on Post-operative Management

Introduction

Cancer affects physical function through the disease itself, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. OT's goal is to maximize occupational performance and quality of life throughout the cancer continuum: prevention, restoration, support, and palliation (Dietz's model of cancer rehabilitation).

Common Surgical Procedures Requiring OT

  • Mastectomy / Lumpectomy (breast cancer)
  • Amputation (osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma)
  • Neck dissection (head and neck cancer)
  • Lung resection (lung cancer)
  • Limb-sparing surgery (sarcoma)

Post-operative OT Management

Breast Surgery (Mastectomy/Axillary Dissection):
  • Lymphedema management: Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) = manual lymphatic drainage + compression bandaging + skin care + exercise. Begin when lymphedema detected; lifelong maintenance.
  • Shoulder ROM exercises: begin gentle pendulum exercises day 1-2 post-op; avoid aggressive abduction/flexion until drains removed (~week 1-2)
  • Axillary web syndrome (cording): Stretching and specific mobilization techniques
  • Scar management: massage, silicone for mastectomy scar
  • ADL modifications: avoid heavy lifting on affected side; protective strategies for lymphedematous limb
  • Prosthesis/orthosis fitting: breast prosthesis fitting after wound healing; adapted bra fitting
Amputation (Oncological):
  • Pre-operative: phantom limb pain education, prosthesis counseling
  • Post-operative: Residual limb shaping (figure-8 bandaging or shrinker sock)
  • Edema control, desensitization, positioning to prevent contracture (hip extension for AK, knee extension for BK)
  • Upper limb amputation: myoelectric or body-powered prosthesis training; ADL retraining
  • Phantom limb pain: mirror therapy, graded motor imagery
  • Vocational rehabilitation and home modification
Head and Neck Cancer Surgery:
  • Shoulder dysfunction (trapezius weakness after neck dissection) - ROM exercises, strengthening
  • Dysphagia management (OT or SLP - swallowing rehabilitation)
  • Lymphedema of face/neck
  • Trismus (jaw contracture after radiation): progressive jaw opening exercises, Therabite device
General Post-oncological OT Considerations:
  • Cancer-related fatigue: Energy conservation, activity pacing, graded aerobic activity
  • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): Sensory re-education, safety strategies, adaptive equipment
  • Cognitive effects ("chemo brain"): Cognitive rehabilitation strategies, memory aids, routines
  • Psychosocial: Depression, anxiety, adjustment to disability, role loss, return to work
  • Return to work/school planning; workplace modifications
  • Community reintegration and leisure re-engagement

F. Brachial Plexus Injury

Anatomy

The brachial plexus is formed by ventral rami of C5-T1. It comprises:
  • Roots (C5, C6, C7, C8, T1)
  • Trunks: Upper (C5-C6), Middle (C7), Lower (C8-T1)
  • Divisions (anterior and posterior)
  • Cords: Lateral, Medial, Posterior
  • Terminal branches: Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Radial, Median, Ulnar

Mechanisms of Injury

  • Traction/stretch (motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes, shoulder dystocia in neonates)
  • Compression (cervical rib, Pancoast tumor, hematoma)
  • Direct trauma (stab/gunshot wound, iatrogenic)
  • Avulsion (root torn from spinal cord; worst prognosis - no regeneration possible)

Classification

TypeRootsMechanism
Upper plexus (Erb's type)C5-C6Shoulder depression + neck lateral flexion
MiddleC7Uncommon alone
Lower plexus (Klumpke's type)C8-T1Arm abducted, forced upward
Total plexusC5-T1High-energy injury
Pre-ganglionic (avulsion)AnyRoot avulsion; Horner syndrome (T1 root)
Post-ganglionicAnyRecoverable; distal to dorsal root ganglion
Distinguishing pre- vs post-ganglionic:
  • Horner syndrome = T1 avulsion (pre-ganglionic)
  • Absent sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) despite anesthesia = post-ganglionic
  • Rhomboid (dorsal scapular nerve from root, not trunk) function = root intact

OT Management of Brachial Plexus Injury

Assessment: Detailed MMT for each muscle, sensory mapping, functional assessment
Splinting:
  • Shoulder subluxation: arm sling or humeral cuff to support glenohumeral joint
  • Wrist drop: wrist extension splint
  • Claw hand: anti-claw/lumbrical blocking splint
  • Elbow flexion assist if biceps paralyzed: elbow flexion assist splint
Exercise and Movement:
  • Passive ROM of all affected joints to prevent contracture
  • Active exercises for any recovered muscles
  • Strengthening as motor return progresses
  • PNF techniques (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
Sensory Re-education: Localization training, texture discrimination as sensation returns
Functional Retraining:
  • One-handed ADL techniques if severe/total palsy
  • Adaptive equipment: rocker knife, one-handed cutting board, button hook
  • Bimanual activities to encourage cortical plasticity
Post-surgical Rehab: After nerve grafting or nerve transfer (e.g., intercostal nerve transfer to musculocutaneous for elbow flexion):
  • Protect surgical repair initially
  • Train target muscle once reinnervation confirmed
  • Cognitive retraining to use new nerve-muscle connections (e.g., "breathe" to flex elbow after intercostal transfer)

G. Erb's Palsy

Definition

Erb's palsy (Erb-Duchenne palsy) is an upper brachial plexus injury affecting C5 and C6 roots (sometimes C7). It is the most common form of brachial plexus birth injury and can also occur in adults from trauma.

Mechanism

  • Birth (obstetric): Shoulder dystocia - excessive lateral neck flexion against fixed shoulder during delivery; large-for-gestational-age infants, forceps use, prolonged second stage
  • Adults: Motorcycle accidents, shoulder depression injuries (fall on shoulder with neck forced away)

Clinical Features - "Waiter's Tip" Deformity

Muscle ParalyzedC5/C6 Action LostResulting Deformity
Deltoid, SupraspinatusShoulder abductionArm adducted
Infraspinatus, Teres minorExternal rotationArm internally rotated
Biceps, BrachialisElbow flexionElbow extended
Supinator, BrachioradialisSupinationForearm pronated
Wrist extensorsWrist extensionWrist flexed
Classic posture: arm adducted, internally rotated, elbow extended, forearm pronated, wrist flexed - the "waiter's tip" or "bellhop's tip" position.
Sensory loss: Lateral arm and forearm (musculocutaneous, axillary, and radial territories)
Reflexes absent: Biceps reflex (C5/C6), Brachioradialis reflex (C5/C6)
Hand movements are preserved (C8/T1 intact) - this distinguishes Erb's from total plexus palsy.

Prognosis

  • 90% of obstetric cases recover spontaneously within 6-12 months
  • Biceps function by 6 months = good prognostic sign
  • Lack of biceps function at 6 months → microsurgical nerve grafting indicated

OT Management

Infant/Pediatric:
  • Passive ROM daily - parents trained to perform shoulder elevation, abduction, external rotation, elbow and wrist movements
  • Prevent internal rotation contracture of shoulder
  • Prevent progressive glenoid hypoplasia (seen in 70% with persistent internal rotation contracture)
  • Positioning: Avoid Statue of Liberty position (prolonged abduction); protect against hyperextension
  • Splinting: gentle positioning in external rotation when sleeping
  • Developmental activities to encourage use of affected limb
  • Sensory stimulation of affected limb
Adult Erb's Palsy:
  • Shoulder abduction assist splint
  • Elbow flexion assist splint
  • Dynamic wrist extension splint if wrist extensors involved
  • Sensory re-education
  • ADL training - one-handed or bimanual strategies
  • Post nerve surgery: retraining of transferred muscles

H. Klumpke's Paralysis

Definition

Klumpke's paralysis is a lower brachial plexus injury affecting C8 and T1 roots, resulting in paralysis of the intrinsic hand muscles. It is less common than Erb's palsy and carries a poorer prognosis.

Mechanism

  • Excessive upward traction on abducted arm
  • Arm caught above head during a fall
  • Birth: breech presentation with arm raised above head
  • Pancoast tumor (apical lung tumor compressing lower plexus)

Clinical Features - "Claw Hand" Deformity

Muscles paralyzed:
  • All intrinsic hand muscles: interossei (dorsal and palmar), lumbricals (3rd and 4th), thenar (APB, FPB, OP), hypothenar (ADM, ODM, FDM), adductor pollicis
  • Flexor digitorum profundus (ring and little fingers) - C8
  • Flexor carpi ulnaris - C8/T1
  • Flexor pollicis longus - C8 (anterior interosseous nerve)
Deformity: Intrinsic minus (claw) hand - hyperextension of MCPs, flexion of IPJs of all fingers (especially ring and little). Inability to abduct/adduct fingers, no thumb opposition or abduction.
Sensory loss: Medial forearm and hand (ulnar border, little finger, ulnar half of ring finger, medial forearm)
Horner Syndrome (T1 avulsion): Ptosis + miosis + anhidrosis (sympathetic trunk involvement at T1) - indicates pre-ganglionic avulsion; very poor prognosis.
Reflexes: Absent finger flexion reflex, absent triceps if C7 also involved.

Prognosis

  • Poorer than Erb's palsy
  • Pre-ganglionic (avulsion with Horner's) = no spontaneous recovery possible
  • Surgery (nerve grafting, nerve transfer, tendon transfer) is often necessary

OT Management

Splinting:
  • Intrinsic-plus splint (anti-claw splint): Blocks MCP hyperextension while allowing IP extension; prevents secondary contracture of MCP collateral ligaments
  • Thumb opposition splint to position thumb for functional pinch
  • Wrist support splint if FCU weak
Exercise:
  • Passive ROM to all hand joints to prevent joint stiffness
  • Maintain MCP flexion and IP extension ROM
  • Active exercises for any spared muscles (e.g., wrist flexors if partially intact, extrinsic muscles)
Sensory Re-education:
  • Protective sensation program for insensate ulnar border of hand
  • Safety education: avoid burns, cuts, pressure ulcers on insensate skin
Functional ADL Training:
  • Grip and pinch compensatory techniques
  • Adaptive devices: universal cuff, built-up handles, button hooks
  • Bimanual task adaptations
  • Handwriting and keyboard adaptations
Post-surgical OT:
  • After tendon transfers (e.g., ECRL to ADM for small finger abduction, FDS to intrinsics for lumbrical substitute): protect transfer for 3 weeks, then progressive retraining of new muscle action
  • After nerve transfers: train reinnervated muscles; use biofeedback, EMG-guided exercises
  • Cortical reorganization support via mirror therapy and sensory stimulation

Summary Table: Key OT Splints by Diagnosis

ConditionSplintPurpose
Ulnar nerve palsyAnti-claw / MCP blocking splintPrevent claw deformity
Median nerve palsyShort opponens splintRestore opposition
Radial nerve palsyDynamic wrist extension splintRestore functional grip
Mallet fingerDIP extension splintMaintain DIP extension
BoutonnierePIP extension splintRestore PIP extension
Erb's palsy (infant)Gentle ER positioningPrevent contracture
Klumpke'sAnti-claw + thumb opposition splintPrevent deformity, enable function
Burns - handAnti-deformity position splintPosition of safe immobilization
Burns - neckPhiladelphia/custom neck splintPrevent flexion contracture
Post-CABGNo specific UE splint; activity guidelinesSternal precautions

Sources: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery 11th Ed (brachial plexus patterns); Miller's Review of Orthopaedics 9th Ed (obstetric brachial plexus, Erb-Duchenne & Klumpke classification); Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics 15th Ed (nerve injury, burns); Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults 10th Ed (hand injury rehabilitation)
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