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Outcome of functional treatment with a Lucerne Cast in patients with hand fractures: a retrospective case series

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of patients treated with a functional Lucerne Cast (LuCa) for different types of hand fractures. Static casting has traditionally been the preferred treatment for hand fractures. However, functional casting may lead to good functional outcomes, less stiffness, and earlier return to work.

Methods

A retrospective case series of all consecutive patients with a metacarpal or proximal phalangeal fracture treated with a LuCa between 2018 and 2019 was conducted. A total of 90 patients were included. Clinical data were collected directly from the patient’s medical records. Functional outcome was assessed with the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

Results

The median MHQ score was 95 (IQR 83–100) with a median follow-up of 23 months. Complications occurred in 7 of 90 patients (8%). Functional impairment occurred in two (2%) patients. Functional impairment was defined as stiffness, persisting rotational deformity, a boutonnière or swanneck deformity. Persisting pain or CRPS occurred in six (7%) patients.

Conclusion

The LuCa shows to be effective in the functional treatment of both metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures with excellent patient-reported outcomes but at a relatively high rate of persisting pain.

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Data are available on request due to privacy or other restrictions.

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Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hand and Wrist Surgery, Maasstad Hospital, Maasstadweg 21, 3070 DZ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Priscilla A. Jawahier, Dorien. A. Salentijn, Nadine M. Teunissen & Niels W. L. Schep

  2. Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Spitalstrasse, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland

    Frank J. P. Beeres

  3. Department of Trauma Surgery, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, Bosboomstraat 1, 3582 KE, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Mark van Heijl

Authors
  1. Priscilla A. Jawahier
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  2. Dorien. A. Salentijn
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  3. Nadine M. Teunissen
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  4. Frank J. P. Beeres
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  5. Mark van Heijl
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  6. Niels W. L. Schep
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Correspondence to Priscilla A. Jawahier.

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The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Ethical approval was obtained from our institutional review board (approval number W20.016).

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Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

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Jawahier, P.A., Salentijn, D.A., Teunissen, N.M. et al. Outcome of functional treatment with a Lucerne Cast in patients with hand fractures: a retrospective case series. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 49, 1555–1560 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-023-02234-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-023-02234-8

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